This may sound strange, but one of my favorite ways to spend any downtime between Christmas and New Years is with organization projects. It's one of the few times during the year that I get true time off, so I often spend it getting down to business on the home projects that got put off throughout the other seasons-things like weeding through my clothes, reorganizing kitchen drawers, and taking a long, hard look at the home décor I keep stored away for no good reason anymore. I managed to do exactly that over this past holiday season, and, throughout the process, kept a running mental list of all the things we did in case you're looking to declutter your own space in honor of the new year. Keep scrolling for five of the biggest takeaways I can offer, and then be sure to share your own tips in the comments so we can keep our collective motivation going through spring! 1. Use old Tupperware as drawer dividers: John and I spent one afternoon just after Christmas going through our Tupperware collection, and ended up finding a few containers that didn't have matching tops for whatever reason, or that had just generally run their course. Instead of throwing them away or donating them, we decided to use the containers as recycled drawer organizers. They're now playing host to odds and ends in our junk drawer to keep things separated and more readily accessible. It may not be pretty, but it works-plus it was free! 2. Make the most of closet shelving with removable boxes that have drawers: If you have a shelved hall or linen closet in your home like we do, then do yourself a favor and store up. In other words, invest in a few inexpensive organizers with drawers, and set them on the shelves so you can take advantage of that often-neglected negative space in between the shelves. As an example, we keep all of our medicine in labeled drawer organizers in the hall closet so that the bottles aren't cluttering our kitchen cabinets or drawers. Use this life hack to store small things vertically, like jewelry, extra beauty products, or even your receipts. 3. Style exposed storage solutions that are pretty to look at in addition to being functional: Sometimes clutter just can't be avoided, especially when you need certain items to be within extra easy reach (think: coffee pods, everyday jewelry, etc.). For those items, disguise them as décor by using decorative bowls and handmade jewelry stands to corral them. That way you can keep these things out in plain sight, but they look more like intentional décor than usable clutter. 4. Hide excess stuff in matching baskets: John and I used to keep our most-often-used folded clothing out on the shelves in our closet, but it started to look really messy and cluttered. So I bought six matching white baskets from Target (similar option here) to keep those everyday pieces within easy reach but hidden from sight. It instantly made our closet look cleaner, but everything is still really accessible. Try this trick with just about anything that you keep on closet shelves-from stacked magazines and books, to shoes and accessories. 5. Put furniture pieces with drawer storage in every room: It may seem a little strange at first to put a dresser in your living room or dining space, but trust me when I say that these types of pieces are game-changers when it comes to hiding clutter! We have furniture with drawers in every single room in our house (even the bathroom) to help hide away the things we use all the time-board games, extra batteries, cake stands, cords, and guest linens. It's much easier to disguise a dresser as a console table with clever styling then it is to try and hide clutter in a space with no hidden storage options. What decluttering tips am I missing in this list? I know you guys have all sorts of clever organization solutions to offer, so please tell us about them in the comments. I'm working on a much more involved post all about drawer organization (five ways to do it, in fact!), so stay tuned next month for that. In the meantime, let's keep the conversation going-share your own decluttering ideas below. *I earn a small percentage from purchases made using the affiliate links above. Affiliate links are not sponsored. Rest assured that I never recommend products we wouldn't use or don't already love ourselves. The post Decluttering Tips For Starting The New Year Right appeared first on Dream Green DIY.
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From smart food dispensers and surveillance systems to ingenious toys and crafty crates, tech-savvy pet products are a booming market. Dog-walking robots may not be a reality yet, but we have recommendations for keeping your pets fed, safe, and busy while you're away. With smart home technology devices, you can take some of the stress out of pet ownership and help your pet live a happier, healthier life. The idea of soilless gardening, or more commonly known as hydroponics, has been around for thousands of years. This concept has been used by the ancient Chinese to build their floating gardens and the ancient Babylonians to create their famous hanging gardens. Now, if you're planning to build your own garden, you should consider building a hydroponic one. You may want to visit the website of Hydro World for your hydroponic gardening needs. Here are 9 advantages of using a hydroponic system in your garden. No soil requiredIf the quality of soil hinders your plants from growing, then hydroponics might be the best option for you. Hydroponic systems don't require fertile soil for your plants to grow properly. Instead, they need inert media that act as root system supports. Here are some commonly used inert media:
Minimal space requiredAs stated above, hydroponic systems don't require soil to grow your plants. Plants usually get their food through their roots that spread out in the soil. However, in hydroponics, the roots are directly exposed to oxygenated nutrients and vital minerals. This enables you to build a garden with minimal space requirements or in urban areas where open spaces are hard to come by. Here are some commonly used spaces for this type of garden:
Easy maintenanceConventional gardens usually require more maintenance than a hydroponic garden, especially when you're dealing with weeds. Maintaining a weed-free garden can be a very time-consuming task even for the experienced gardeners. Eliminating the need for fertile soil also eliminates your weed problems. Here are some maintenance tips for you:
Better climate controlHaving hydroponic systems allows you total climate control – light intensity, humidity, air composition, and temperature. This allows you to grow plants all year long without considering seasonal changes. Here are some hydroponic climate control facts you need to consider:
Less water consumptionHydroponic gardens usually use about 9 times less water than conventional ones. Plants grown in hydroponic systems only take up water necessary for its growth, and the excess water is recirculated into the system. Water loss can only occur when a leak in the system is present or in the form of evaporation. Here are some water-saving tips:
Better nutrient controlHydroponic systems allow you complete control of your plant nutrition. Growers can give the exact amount of nutrients a particular plant needs in its current growth stage. Additionally, the excess nutrients mixed in the water are recirculated in the system. Here are some tips for better nutrient control:
Better pH controlIn hydroponics, all the minerals needed by your plants are mixed in the water. This allows you to adjust and measure the pH levels of the mixture more easily and conveniently to ensure the optimal growth of your plants. Here are some pH control tips:
Faster growthIf your plants are grown in their ideal conditions, they are provided specific amounts of nutrients, and their root systems are in direct contact with their food source, then they will generally grow faster than the plants planted in soil as your plants will not waste energy searching the soil for washed-away nutrients. Here are some fast-growing plants to try for your hydroponic garden:
Better disease and pest controlAs hydroponics require no soil to grow plants, your garden is less vulnerable to pests such as groundhogs, gophers, and birds and disease-causing microorganisms such as Rhizoctonia, Pythium, and Fusarium. Additionally, if you're growing your plants indoors, it will be easier for you to manipulate the surrounding variables to avoid diseases and pests. Here are some tips for controlling pests and diseases in your hydroponic garden:
Closing ThoughtsHydroponic gardening may offer a lot of advantages, but there are some downsides to consider, too. However, you can always overcome these downsides with proper planning, research, and experience. Considering these advantages of hydroponics. This type of gardening is highly effective compared with its soil counterpart. The post Advantages of Using Hydroponic Systems in Your Garden appeared first on Handyman tips. One of the biggest roadblocks for families when it comes to planning a Disney vacation is the high cost. But believe it or not, it is possible to pull off a Disney vacation on a budget. Here are some money-saving tips to help you save at both Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and Walt Disney World... The article How to Budget for a Family Trip to Disney originally appeared on NerdWallet. With the holiday season winding down, it's time to start thinking about your post-holiday season pack-up. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be draining, which makes it easier to take a few shortcuts by packing things away quickly and storing them anywhere. Sure, that gets the job done quicker now, but it only makes the task of finding and unpacking all of your disorganized holiday decorations more time-consuming later. Have a smart holiday decoration storage planBy putting a little extra thought into how and where your holiday decorations will be stored, you can save yourself from some future headaches. Garages are ideal for a lot of your holiday decoration storage needs, whether you're storing decorations for Christmas, Halloween, birthday parties, or holidays like the Fourth of July or Canada Day. The garage has to be used the right way when storing your holiday decorations, however, in order the maintain the functionality of the space. Use overhead racks for your holiday decoration storageFor the most effective use of your garage as a holiday decoration storage space, add some overhead storage racks. Ceiling-mounted overhead racks take advantage of the vertical storage space in your garage's upper reaches that is typically underutilized. In addition to maximizing your garage's storage space, overhead racks are also ideal for storing bulky items and things that are infrequently used…which describes unneeded holiday decorations pretty much perfectly! Everything from storage bins filled with tree ornaments to artificial Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands to holiday lights to holiday lawn inflatables can be stashed up high. Your daily routine can even run a little smoother simply by using this out-of-the-way storage space for your holiday decorations. There won't be bulky storage bins taking up valuable garage floor space, which makes parking more difficult. And less floor clutter means extra space for keeping tools, sports equipment, and other items you use regularly more efficiently stored and easier to access. Use plastic storage binsWhether you're storing your holiday decorations in the garage or elsewhere in your home, always use plastic storage bins and containers instead of cardboard boxes. Plastic storage bins are sturdier, stack easier and more safely, are easier to move around, and provide superior moisture protection compared to cardboard boxes. They're also not a fire hazard. Some people prefer using clear plastic storage bins because it helps them to identify stored items quickly. That may sound practical, but it's probably a better idea to use non-clear, solid color containers with labels. Holiday ornaments and lights, especially ones you're keeping for many years, can lose their color faster if they're exposed to too much light when stored. Fabric bags specifically made for storing holiday decorations should be stored indoors if possible, due to the higher moisture levels garages commonly have. Avoid storing these holiday decorations in the garageWhile the garage is a perfect spot for many of your holiday decoration storage requirements, it's not the best storage area for certain items unless it's climate-controlled. The extreme temperature fluctuations and excess moisture found in many garage environments makes them less than ideal for storing these holiday decorations:
If you absolutely have to keep some fabric-based decorative items stored in the garage for any reason, make sure they're sealed tight in a plastic container. Wrapping items in acid-free paper or using silica packets to absorb moisture can help preserve the storage bin's contents. Another reason to avoid storing fabric-based and food-based decorations in the garage is that they can attract pests. Label your holiday decoration storage itemsTry to keep all your stored holiday decorations together in order to make everything easier to find. Many organization experts recommend using color-coded storage containers or container lids to simplify things (such as green for Christmas decorations or orange for Halloween decorations). And even if you're being diligent and using color-coded containers, always be sure that everything is labelled. Labelled containers eliminate the time-consuming guesswork that inevitably occurs when it's time to unpack your decorations and find what you need when decorating your home next holiday season. Storing an artificial Christmas tree in the garageBecause of its bulkiness, an artificial Christmas tree's go-to storage spot in most homes will probably be the garage. Don't leave an artificial Christmas tree uncovered in the garage because it'll naturally gather a lot of dust over the course of a year. Why add an artificial tree cleaning to your busy holiday to-do list 11 months (or so) from now? When storing an artificial Christmas tree in the garage, definitely ditch the cardboard box it came in and invest in a proper plastic tree storage bin. Look for a container with wheels so it's easier to transport. Tree storage bags are also popular, although they're less suited for a garage environment. Also note that white artificial trees or trees with those snow dusting treatments are prone to yellowing and shorter lifespans if temperature and humidity storage conditions aren't optimal. Additional holiday decoration storage tipsWhen preparing your holiday decorations for storage, here are a few final tips you might find useful:
Get organized to start the new yearIf you have a New Year's resolution that includes tidying up your home, start by storing your holiday decorations in an organized manner and somewhere that's out of your way. We can help you create more storage space for your holiday decorations and anything else you need to store in the garage, in addition to making the space look much nicer. Schedule a free in-home design consultation with Garage Living today. Please share this post if you found it useful. See also:
The post How to Use a Garage More Effectively for Holiday Decoration Storage appeared first on Garage Living Blog. Ah, the new year... This is prime time for resolutions, new beginnings, rekindled goals, and boundless optimism. It's great, isn't it? So much potential and promise rolled into the launch of a new year. While we try to stay out of those resolutions that involve treadmills, gym memberships, and more or less of [you fill in the blank], we do love helping with resolutions that involve home improvement and color. After all, tackling that project idea that's been gathering dust since 2015 can be just as much a resolution as any other, and completing it will offer benefits you can enjoy for months and years to come. So, what's on your painting wish list? Popular Interior Painting Projects in Nashville#1: Complete Interior RepaintsThis is a big season for total repaints! And, for good reason. While localized projects can have tremendous impact, and in some cases are all that's necessary, larger projects offer an unparalleled opportunity for creating a cohesive palette and total transformation. It can also be more budget-friendly too, wrapping up a large project in one fell swoop rather than breaking it up over numerous smaller ventures. #2: Painting Kitchens and BathroomsWhen done correctly, bathroom and kitchen paint jobs offer some of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project. These environments can be difficult to paint, though, and are extremely hard on paint products. You need to make a choice guided by experience, and invest in a high-quality application that will really perform as you need it to. #3: Kitchen Cabinet Painting ServicesThis is one of our most popular services, and it's not hard to see why. Compared to a full cabinet replacement or kitchen remodel, painting can be much more cost-effective while still offering an incredible transformation. Just be careful to hire a professional that knows the process inside and out, and has proven experience. Hiring a low bidder who is light on credentials can be an expensive, disappointing mistake. #4: Repainting for ResaleIs your property going on the market anytime soon? Painting is one of the most recommended strategies for increasing the marketability of your home. Warm, inviting, neutral colors (NOT boring white!) look fresh and enticing, while still leaving room for the imagination of your prospective buyer. They want to envision themselves in the space, and NOT envision a painting project because of damaged, dated, or drab walls. As we mentioned above, make sure your kitchen and bathrooms are on the list of rooms to refresh, as well as higher-visibility, high-traffic spaces. How Can We Help with Your Nashville-Area Painting Needs?Your team at Nash Painting is here to serve you! Please take a moment to get to know us better and explore our values and local history, and then contact our office. We're excited to get your 2019 painting goals rolling!
2019 has arrived, and you've laid out all your New Year's resolutions that will launch you into a happier, healthier year. But have you put together any New Year's resolutions for your home? With plenty of research on the impact your environment has on your well-being, one of the best things you can do to support all your personal resolutions is to make sure your home is just as happy as you are. We've put together a list of four New Year's Home Resolutions to get you off on the right foot. Streamline and Minimize Add Some Florals Reduce Your Carbon Footprint At Shea Homes®, we work to keep our new homes energy efficient from the start, which is why our ENERGY STAR® certified homes use up to 20-30% less energy than other non-certified homes. Through a combination of complete thermal enclosure systems, high-efficiency ventilation, comprehensive water management systems, and energy-efficient appliances and lighting, together families that have purchased ENERGY STAR labeled homes tend to save more each year on utility bills. But there's always more you can do! Take your mother's advice and turn off the lights whenever you leave a room; turn your water heater down a few degrees and wash your clothes in cold water. Small changes can lead to big savings, and this is one resolution that helps everyone on the planet. A Family DIY What are some of your home resolutions this year? Let us know below! For everything else Shea Homes Arizona, visit www.sheahomes.com/newhomes/phoenix/. Sales by Shea Homes Marketing Company (AZ DRE #CO550381000), Construction by Shea Homes Limited Partnership (ROC #195895). ©2019 All rights reserved. We respect your privacy. Please view the Shea Homes Privacy Policy. How Much Does Landscape Design Cost In PortlandSample Landscape Design Updated 12/18 to reflect the current cost of landscape design. When you hire a landscape designer you are paying them to develop a plan for your property. This usually involves drawings that show your landscape from above. You can see placement and relative sizes of proposed elements. Plants are placed, lighting fixtures are specified- the irrigation system layout may even be involved. This design, once in hand, can be given to licensed landscape contractors to bid and install. But what does it actually cost to get a landscape design completed? In general, a full landscape design will cost $500 - $5000. (Ross NW Watergardens usually charges between $1500 and $3000.) Some landscape designers charge an initial consultation fee, ranging from $100 - $250. (We have no initial consultation fee.) What factors affect price? Modern Landscape Design by Ben Bowen of Ross NW Watergardens
There are obviously a lot of factors that effect what you pay for a landscape design. But, with the knowledge above you at least have an idea of what your design project could cost. The only way to find out for sure is to contact a local landscape designer and ask! Introducing the TKBB Summer Series – while we're on a break, we've compiled a compilation of Best of…… topics. Enjoy! Recognising that our world is ever-expanding and it's not only about kitchens and bathrooms, here are 2018's most popular building products. Cowdroy internal doorsIntroducing a range of Cowdroy internal doors designed to meet homeowner's needs for functionality, comfort and style without compromise. Read more >>> SJW FuturePODThe SJW FuturePOD, designed by St James Whitting, is a solution designed to meet the need for extra space without the requirement for council approval (in NSW). A great investment for a property, the FuturePOD can be a place to work from home, an exercise venue, music room, art studio or study space. Read more >>> CO2-neutral wood heating systemsEven in Australia, with our temperate climate, the fascination for heating with wood is as strong as ever which leads building designers and interior designers to seek ways of creating cosy warmth in the home with CO²-neutral wood heating systems. Read more >>> Scyon Linea claddingParamount to Hamptons architecture, Scyon Linea cladding provides clean, horizontal shadow lines that evoke a classic, coastal charm. Relatively low maintenance, the cladding also prevails over traditional timberin Australia's harsh climate. It resists flaking, warping or swelling, is resistant to fire and damage from termites and moisture. Read more >>> Stay tuned for more Best of….articles and enjoy your summer. |