Month: February 2018

The kids have all grown and moved into their own homes, and as you look around, you realize that there’s just too much space. You can’t help but think that now is the perfect time to pack up and move to a smaller place. Not only will it be easier to manage, but having a smaller home will cost you less to maintain, and it will give you a lot more freedom.

Despite the benefits that downsizing your home can provide, you can’t help but feel overwhelmed. You’ve amassed a lot of stuff over the years. And, you just can’t help but feel an emotional connection to the space. So, where do you begin? Here are some effective tips that will help you successfully downsize your home without pulling your hair out.

Determine What Type of Space You Want

It’s obvious that you want a smaller space to live in, but when you’re downsizing your home, there’s more to consider than just a “smaller space”. Do you want to rent or own? What type of home would you be comfortable in? Is a single-family, detached house with less square footage than your existing home what you are looking for? Would you be more comfortable in a condo or an apartment? Do you want to tend to the yard work yourself or would you rather have someone else do it for you? Are amenities something that’s important to you?

These are all questions that you need to consider when you’re downsizing. Yes, you want a smaller home, but there are so many things that you should think about before deciding what type of downsized home you want to move to. How do you know what will work for you? – That really depends on your unique interests and what you think will best suit your needs. Make a list of needs and wants and think about which option will tick off most of your boxes.

Work with a Realtor

A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that they can handle the downsizing process on their own. Sure, you might be able to do it yourself, but it’s probably going to end up giving you more stress than necessary.

When you’re downsizing, you have to sell your existing home and find a new place to live. You also have to take inventory of your belongings, determine what you’re keeping and what you’re purging, pack, and so much more! By hiring a realtor, you’ll take some of the stress off of your shoulders. A real estate professional will not only assist you with selling your home, but he or she will also help you find your new (smaller) dream home.

Take Inventory

It’s funny how much “stuff” people accumulate, especially when they live in a large space. If you’re downsizing, you aren’t going to be able to take everything in your existing home with you. From a logistical standpoint, it just isn’t going to fit. Yes, you could rent a storage unit, but do you really want to pay a monthly bill to store items that you might never end up using again?

With that said, you’re going to want to take inventory of all of your personal effects. Go through each room and decide what absolutely must go with you and what you just don’t need anymore. It can be hard to part with your belongings. To make it easier, use the “one year” rule: If you haven’t used something for more than a year, chances are you really don’t need it. This includes clothing, dishes, appliances, and furnishings.

Start Early

As soon as you list your house on the market, start planning for your move. Not only are you going to want to start looking for a new home, but you’re going to want to start de-cluttering and packing. The earlier you start, the easier the move will be.

Pack smart. Begin with the items that you use the least and leave those things you use on a frequent basis for last. Don’t forget to clearly label all boxes and bins so that you know where everything is when you finally get to your new home.

Purge with a Purpose

You’re probably going to end up purging a lot of “stuff”. Be smart about it. While you may not want particular things anymore, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be used by someone else. If they’re in good condition, sell them at a yard sale or donate them. If you do end up having a lot of trash stuff that just needs to be trash, consider renting a dumpster. It will be far more convenient than having to lug trash bags up to your curb, and you won’t have to wait for your waste management company to pick them up. The best part about renting a dumpster is that when you’ve filled it up, all you have to do is let the company know and they’ll take the trash off your hands. Talk about easy!

Set Limits in Your New Place

Just like you probably accumulate a lot of clutter in your current home, you’ll probably end up accumulating a lot of clutter in your new space, too. No matter how big your home is, too much clutter is never a good thing; however when the square footage is smaller, you’ll really need to keep the accumulation of “stuff” under wraps.

Establish clutter limits in your new place. Decide how long you should keep paperwork before shredding it, or consider donating one article of clothing for every new garment you purchase. By taming the number of things you accumulate, you can prevent your new, smaller home from becoming even smaller.

Downsizing can be a large and overwhelming task. By following these tips, you can ensure it goes as smoothly as possible so that you can really enjoy this new and exciting chapter in your life.

While you’re cooped up in the middle of winter, you’ve probably started to really notice how much the inside of your house needs to be updated. If your bathroom looks lackluster, is outdated, or it just isn’t the welcoming space that you want it to be, now is a perfect time to do a remodel!

If you’re going to invest in a bathroom remodel, you want to make sure that redesign will suit your specific needs. However, you might also want to incorporate some of the latest trends to ensure that the space fits in with the times. And, by including some of the latest design trends, you can add real value to your home. There have been some incredible advances in bathroom design over the years, and this year is no different. What are some of the biggest trends of 2018? Here’s a look at some design ideas that you should consider incorporating into your remodel if you really want to make the most of your bathroom remodel.

Monochromatic Color Schemes

If finding a color that you love for your bathroom seems like a difficult task, then you’re going to love this design trend: monochromatic color schemes. In 2018, monochrome bathrooms are in style in a huge way. It makes for a clean look, and it’s so easy to decorate with and update when you want to make some simple changes down the road.

Choosing a monochromatic color scheme is simple: pick a standout color that you love and accent it with lighter and darker hues of the same color. For example, a darker gray could be your focal color and lighter grays, whites, and even light silver could work as accents. Feature your focal color in major elements, such as the tub, the vanity, or the main color in your tiles. Add in the accent colors in the rest of the elements. To pull it all together, you can add some pops of color with your linens, shower curtain, and area rug.

High-Tech Toilets

Technology has touched virtually every facet of life, including the bathroom. Toilets have become super high-tech, and they are a big trend being used in bathroom remodels this year.

What type of features do high-tech toilets offer? Things like seat warmers, lids that automatically open or slowly close, and even built-in deodorizers (so your bathroom always smells fresh and clean!) The most state-of-the-art toilets are even outfitted with wireless music players that turn on as soon as the lid is opened. Imagine being able to use the loo while some soothing background music is playing? Talk about forward-thinking!

Radiant Heating

Say goodbye to stepping out of a hot shower and onto a frigid floor! Thanks to radiant heating, you won’t have to worry about cold toes anymore!

Radiant heating involves placing coils on top of the subfloor, and either hot water or electricity heats them, thus heating the flooring material that you place over them. You can use radiant heating with any type of flooring, including tile, vinyl, concrete, and even stone. And, not only do these heating systems keep your floor warm but because heat rises, they also effectively heat the entire space. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the dust and dirt that traditional baseboard heating or radiators push out. Talk about a great investment!

Interesting Tile Shapes

When it comes to tiles, traditional shapes are still in (think subway tiles); however, if you really want to go for an updated, avant-garde look, opt for tiles that feature interesting shapes. Tiles of different shapes and sizes used to be all the rage decades ago (think the 1920s when Art Deco was en vogue). These unique shapes eventually moved out of fashion and were replaced by standard squares or rectangles; but in 2018, they are back in a big way! There are tons of options to choose from, such as diamonds, hexagons, and even fish scales!

If you really want to make a bold statement, feature these unique shapes in just one area, such as the backsplash, and use standard shapes elsewhere. You’ll create a bold, eye-catching look that is totally in the “now”.

Appliances

In 2018, the kitchen isn’t the only space where appliances are being used; they are also making their way into the bathroom! Today, high-end bathrooms feature a range of appliances. For example, you can include a built-in mini-fridge to hold beverages, medications, or even or organic skin treatments. Warming drawers are another great option. You can use them to keep your towels, robes, and clothing warm. If you don’t like the idea of having to constantly change out hand towels, you might want to install an automatic hand dryer. You don’t have to go with an austere design; there are tons of automatic hand dryer styles available, so you can avoid having your bathroom look like a public restroom.

Storage, Storage, Storage!

Makeup, linens, medications, toiletries; there are so many items that are used in the bathroom. This year is all about convenience, and including ample storage space in your bathroom will ensure that all of those must-have items are easy to access when you need them.

Vanities have always been used for storage; however, today, there are so many different choices, including drawers of various shapes and sizes, and built-in organizers and shelves in the cabinets. Look to add storage elements in unexpected and otherwise unused spaces, too. For example, you can have a customized shelf with drawers and cabinets built to fit around the toilet! Their options are limitless!

By incorporating these design ideas, your bathroom will easily become your favorite room in the house. Whether you’re doing the remodel yourself or you’re hiring a professional, don’t forget to rent a dumpster before you start your project! You’ll have a convenient space to toss out all of that debris! The best part is that when the project is done, all you have to do is contact the dumpster rental company and they’ll haul it away for you!

Whether your growing family needs more room in the house, or you want to breathe some new life into your stale, outdated kitchen, a home renovation can be extremely exciting. It presents so many wonderful opportunities to put your personal stamp on your house, and the end result will make you love your home even more. However, it takes proper planning, time, and patience to reap the rewards that a renovation can offer.

Even if it’s a minor remodel, you want to make sure that you are prepared. Unfortunately, many homeowners make some pretty big mistakes when they are renovating; mistakes that can make the process a lot harder, longer, and much more expensive. If you want to ensure your renovation is a success, make sure you avoid these seven common mistakes.

Not Having a Solid Plan

Of course, you’re going to have an idea of what it is that you want to achieve with your renovation; however, many homeowners make the mistake of not creating a solid plan. When it comes to renovations, things can definitely change at the drop of the hat, so being flexible is important. However, you definitely want to make sure that you establish a plan of action before you get started.

Determine what it is that you want to achieve, what look you are going for, your budget, a time frame… If you don’t have a real plan, things will likely get out of control very quickly and completely derail your project.

Using Cheap Materials

The old saying “you get what you pay for” is one that definitely applies to home renovations. A cheap price tag is usually a good indicator of the quality of the tools and materials. For example, while you might save yourself a few bucks by going for cheaper plumbing materials, in the long run, you’ll end up spending more. Why? – Because the lifespan of those cheap materials is much shorter than more expensive, higher quality items. Imagine having to tear down your walls, replace your vanity, or install new fixtures a year or two after you complete your renovation? Not only will you have to spend more of your hard-earned money to replace them, but you’ll also have to deal with the hassle of more work!

Not Sticking to a Budget

While you definitely don’t want to use cheap materials, you also don’t want to blow your budget. Unless your financial resources are unlimited, establish your budget before you get started. Make estimates for all renovation-related costs, even the little things, like light bulbs, spackle, and paintbrushes. Determine what materials are an absolute must, and what items aren’t necessary, but would be nice to have.

If you find that your estimates are more than you can comfortably afford to spend, you might want to consider pushing the remodel off until you can save enough to get the results you want. You want to be happy with the outcome, not end up hating it or wishing that you could make changes right away.

Not Putting Safety First

Those safety goggles might seem “dorky”, but do yourself a favor and make sure you put them on. Should a piece of wood or a renegade nail go flying toward your eye, you’ll be glad you had the protection.

Make sure you take the time to ensure your job site is safe. Check for power lines before you start knocking down walls, make sure that cords are taped down, turn off the main water source before playing with plumbing, have someone spot you while you’re climbing a ladder, etc. A lot of homeowners think that they will use caution and avoid getting hurt, but then end up sustaining an injury that lands them in the emergency room – an injury that could have been avoided had they simply taken the time ensure their safety.

Not Prepping Before Starting

You want to get your renovation done as quickly as possible, so you decide to skip out on the prep work. While it might shave a few minutes off of your timetable now, not prepping could actually add more time to your project. For example, you might think that drop cloths or taping are unnecessary before you paint because you have a steady hand and you’re going to be super cautious; however, even if you have the steadiest hands and you think you have wiped off all the excess paint to avoid drips, guess what? – You can still make mistakes! Trying to get paint out of a carpet (if you’re going to keep your existing carpet) or repainting your ceiling because your paintbrush slipped while you were edging will definitely add time – and money – to your renovation.

Not Being Prepared for the Chaos

A renovation can put a real damper on your life until it’s complete. For instance, if you’re renovating your bathroom, you’re going to want to make sure you have a designated place to get ready, or if you are remodeling your kitchen, you want to ensure that you know how you are going to feed your family.

A lot of homeowners don’t anticipate the upheaval that comes along with a renovation. Then suddenly, they realize that they don’t have anywhere to cook food and quickly grow tired of ordering out every night. Make sure you’re ready to deal with the disorder so you can get through your renovation with your sanity in-tact.

Not Renting a Roll-Off Dumpster

Here’s a little secret for you: home renovations create a lot of trash. From sheetrock to old tiles and everything in between, there’s going to be a lot of garbage to get rid of. Sure, you could just pile it all up on the curb, but do you really want to deal with that eyesore? And, what happens if your town’s waste management won’t take all of that trash?

Save yourself a headache and rent a dumpster! You’ll have convenient spot to throw out all of that waste, and the best part is this: You just have to call the dumpster rental company and they’ll unload it for you! Talk about a win-win!

Unless you’re a professional contractor, chances are that you don’t have much experience with renting a dumpster. However, a dumpster rental is useful for more than just construction professionals; it can be very handy for homeowners, too.

From home renovation projects to cleaning up yard waste, renting a dumpster can make your project go a lot smoother. Knowing how to rent a dumpster can ensure that your project goes as smoothly as possible.

You might be thinking to yourself: “How hard can renting a container be?” It’s actually not very complicated, but there are definitely some things that you should know that will make the process a whole lot more efficient.

Here are five handy tips that will make your experience with renting a dumpster a success.

Figure out What Size You Need

The first thing you are going to want to do is figure out what size dumpster you need. Sure, you could call and rent any container, but what happens if you get one that is too small for your project, or you end up spending more money on a larger dumpster than you actually need? One of the most common mistakes people make when ordering a container is choosing the wrong size.

How can you tell what size you need? Here’s a general guideline:

• 10 yard dumpster. This size is great for smaller remodeling projects, such as a small bathroom or kitchen renovation or the cleanout of a medium-sized attic or basement. You can fit 10 cubic yards of waste in a 10 yard dumpster, which is around the same amount that the flatbed of three pickup trucks can hold.
• 20 yard dumpster. This dumpster can accommodate 20 cubic yards of waste, or the equivalent to six flatbeds of a truck. If you’re embarking on a medium-sized renovation or a bigger cleanup, such as the removal of a large deck or the carpet from large home, this size container will likely suit your needs.
• 30 yard dumpster. This is a good size for a major project, like a new addition to your home or the construction of a new building. You’ll be able to fit 30 cubic yards of waste in a 30 yard dumpster, or about nine flatbeds full of debris.
• 40 yard dumpster. This size is usually reserved for commercial projects; however, if you are going to be replacing all of the windows in your home or you are removing the siding, this could be the right option for you. You’ll be able to unload 40 cubic yards of waste in a container of this size, which is around the same amount that 12 pickup flatbeds can hold.

Know What Type of Debris You are Getting Rid Of

You also want to make sure you know what type of waste you are going to be disposing of. A lot of dumpster rental providers have limitations on the type of materials they will accept. For example, you might not be able to mix certain materials together, such as gravel and yard waste. Some companies simply follow the waste disposal rules that are set forth by the town; for instance, dangerous items, such as antifreeze, solvents, and pesticides, aren’t allowed to be placed in any type of dumpster.

Find Out About Drop Offs and Pickups

The entire point of renting a dumpster is to make your project easier. If the dumpster rental company you are considering can’t drop off or pick up the container within a timeframe that works for you, working with that company probably isn’t in your best interest. Make sure you find out about schedules, including drop off and pickup times. Also, ask what you need to do to let the company know that your container is ready to be removed from your property. You want to make sure that the process is as convenient for you as possible.

Choose a Good Location

While speaking of convenience, make sure you choose a location that works best for you – and for the dumpster rental company. In other words, you want the dumpster to be located within close proximity to your project so you don’t end up having to lug heavy material a far distance. You also want to ensure that the location you choose is easy for the company to access. It shouldn’t be blocked by any trees, shrubs, bushes, cars, or any other items that could prevent a smooth delivery and pickup.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your dumpster rental experience – and your entire project – will be efficient and effective. If you have questions or you aren’t sure about something, don’t be afraid to ask! Our friendly representatives will be more than happy to help you find the right dumpster to suit your specific needs.