Everyone needs furniture in their home. What if you could get more mileage out of your furniture? Multi-purpose furniture is the answer. They serve multiple functions in a single piece, saving space and money in the long run.

When you’re looking to upgrade your furniture with multi-purpose pieces, there are a few key things you should look out for.

Consider Size and Shape

Before you buy a multi-purpose piece of furniture, consider the size and shape. Look at your existing furniture and think about what kind of piece would fit in with it.

For example, if you have larger pieces that take up space, you may want to opt for a smaller multi-purpose piece that won’t overwhelm the room. Take measurements of the space you’re shopping for – the length and width – and buy something that fits in.

Also, consider how much height or depth you need for your furniture. Do you want it to be flush with the wall or have some overhang?

Look at Functionality

Multi-purpose doesn’t always mean functional. Consider an ottoman that doubles as a storage chest. While this may be space-saving, it isn’t very practical as an ottoman because you likely can’t sit on it without having to move some or all of the items stored in it. On the other hand, furniture like side tables with storage drawers are more functional since you can use the top as a surface while having access to the storage underneath.

So before you buy, look closely at the piece and make sure it works for what you need. Does it have enough storage space for your needs? Is there a convenient way to access items within the furniture? Are there adjustable or removable shelves to customize storage space?

Choose Materials Wisely

The materials used to make multi-purpose furniture should also be taken into account when shopping. Look for pieces crafted with durable materials such as hardwood, metal, or strong plastics that can stand up to everyday wear and tear. If you frequently host guests, you’ll also want furniture sturdy enough to withstand heavier use. While it may be tempting to buy cheaper materials for budget-friendly pieces, this could mean sacrificing quality and longevity in the long run.

Don’t forget to think about how easy it is to clean as well. Look for materials that can be wiped down easily and won’t show too much wear and tear from regular use. Leather or vinyl upholstery may look great, but these materials can stain more easily than other fabrics.

Find the Right Price Point

Multi-purpose furniture can range in price, so decide on a budget before you go shopping. As mentioned, cheaper pieces may not be as durable or functional as higher-quality ones. Some furniture can be expensive, but if it lasts longer and does more than a less expensive piece, the price may be worth it in the end.

Shop around and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your money.

When it comes to multi-purpose furniture, there are many factors to consider. Taking the time to compare size, shape, functionality, and materials will help you find the best piece for your home. With the right furniture, you can make the most of your space without breaking the bank.

 

The festive period has been and gone and you have enjoyed it to the max. Not least as you had moved into your new house a few months earlier with your wife and young child as you spent the first Christmas together as a family.

The house is in reasonable condition, but you naturally want to add your own style to it and make it fit and comfortable for the needs of those of you living there. The wiring was a huge priority, and the decorating can be done in due course, as you fancy yourself as a bit of a handyman. However, the floors have not really been looked after properly and need some work to them with your thoughts swaying towards a flooring supplier that you have discovered.

Also on your mind were several other options. Vinyl looked alright, but wasn’t quite what you were looking for, and the same went for a laminate floor. Carpeting seems old fashioned and tiles are not really family friendly. Refinishing the floors seemed a long and laborious process, so it was the cork tiles Australia homeowners prefer that won the day, as you could see several beautiful and affordable options available.

They Come In A Variety Of Colours

The tiles are glued into position and come in at least three natural colours, with light and medium being of the natural shades of brown generally associated with cork. You would also find a dark grey shade, almost like charcoal. The range of available colours ensures that you will find something to suit all areas and are able to match it with furnishings and decorations.

Character

There are some cork floorings that still require sanding and finishing on the site, which does allow for custom stains to be added as appropriate, adding a distinctive character to your floors. Perhaps you are going for a rustic feel, which often looks great in the bathroom? A cork flooring has the look of stone.

Environment-Friendly

Cork is a fantastic material for changing a house into a home with a completely green process of production. By choosing this type of flooring you are supporting a pro-environment business. This is because trees need not be cut down to produce cork; rather, it is simply the bark of the tree that is being harvested every few years.

So Many Options

Of course, there is absolutely no need to go with just one cork product, or indeed one colour or style as cork is ideal for mixing depending on rooms. The flooring is available in tile and plank form of several sizes, allowing for a seamless floor or the use of different tiles for your own unique style.

Soundproof

A cork flooring is soundproof, which is perfect when you have a child running around the house who is likely to drop things. It is ideal for you to block out other noise too, which leads to a better night’s sleep so you have energy for a family walk.

Impact-Resistant

Using cork flooring means that it is impact-resistant, so there are no worries when the toddler does drop items, or you drop your smartphone. It is an excellent shock absorber when takes away the sound of landing objects, and there is less chance of damage.

Natural Fire Retardant

As the natural material only ignites at extremely high temperatures, it offers safety and peace of mind in the home, and even when it does catch fire, it generates less smoke and releases less toxic than other flooring options.

Cork flooring offers a beautiful and affordable solution which can be adapted through a range of styles, products, and colours to look the part in any home.

 

It seems like the whole world is feeling the pinch right now, and that’s coming from both a personal and financial standpoint.

Many of us try to make our lives easier by purchasing affordable products and services but are often left feeling unsatisfied with the results.

Saving Money: What Works?

While you may spend less money initially, the lower quality of these products often means bigger and more frequent costs in the long run.

Instead of spending money on things that don’t last, think about how you can make things last.

Through some clever tricks and by using what you already have at home, you can save a great deal of both time and money.

Here are a few ways to get started.

Don’t Buy Brand New

“Buying everything brand new is better” this is a common belief that many of us have.

Instead, think about what products you can still use for a long time and buy those things secondhand.

This way, you’ll be able to save quite a bit of money and get items in good working order.

Use Promo Codes and Coupons

Buying second-hand isn’t always doable, but using coupons is a great way to save money.

Find a Gardener’s Supply Promo Code to spruce up your garden, or a Home Depot code to fix up your home. There are codes and coupons everywhere,

If you can’t find a coupon online, you can also look in your local newspapers and magazines, as they often have coupons there.

Use Secondhand Tools

Buying new tools is all well and good, except when you have to replace them.

If you do need to replace a tool, try going to yard sales, many people sell on tools that aren’t wanted or used any more even though they’re still in good condition.

You should also look into renting tools in your area.

Get Crafty

Being good at DIY and crafting is the hallmark of budgeting, and it is a great way to save money.

If you’ve got a bit of creativity and the right materials, you can be the DIY ruler of your home.

It’s not that hard, but it does require you to think about what skills you have already and how those can be put to use in your own life as well as researching what skills might be generically useful.

Cook Your Food At Home

Perhaps one of the best things about cooking your food is that you’re using your own appliances as well as making sure meals last longer by preparing your food properly.

Cooking at home also gives you control over what goes into your body and helps keep waste out of landfills, which is always ideal.

When you use some of the tips above, you’ll find that not only will you save money, but your life will also be easier. No matter what it is that you’re trying to save money on, thinking about how to make things last longer can help.

Look for ways to fix things yourself, instead of immediately thinking about buying replacements and new products. Not only will this help your saving money efforts immensely, but it’s also a great way to spend more time with your family and get involved in hobbies.

 

Most first-time home buyers make mistakes when they buy their homes. To help these buyers save time, money, and headaches, we have compiled a list of the three biggest mistakes they should avoid.

1. Not Being Prepared Financially

One of the biggest mistakes that first-time home buyers make is not being prepared financially. Buying a house is a significant financial decision, and it is essential to be ready for it. Before buying a home, buyers should get their finances in order.

This means getting a pre-approved mortgage, saving up for a down payment, and having money set aside for closing costs. By being prepared financially, buyers will be more likely to get the best deal on their home purchase.

2. Not Doing Their Research

Another mistake that first-time home buyers make is not doing their research. When buying a house, there are many different things to consider, and it is essential to do your research before making any decisions.

Buyers should research the different types of houses available, the different neighborhoods, and the different homebuying options. By doing your research, you will be able to find the perfect home for you and your family.

3. Not Working with a Real Estate Agent

One of the biggest mistakes that first-time home buyers make is not working with a real estate agent. Buying a house is a complex process, and having someone on your side who knows what they are doing is vital.

A real estate agent will be able to help you find the right house, negotiate the best price, and take care of all of the paperwork. Working with a real estate agent can avoid many mistakes that first-time home buyers make.

Buying a house is a significant decision, and it is essential to avoid making mistakes. You will prevent first-time home buyers’ three biggest mistakes by being prepared financially, researching, and working with a real estate agent.

How to Avoid Home Buying Mistakes

On the flip side, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your budget for buying a house.

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage

When you’re ready to start shopping for a new home, one of the first steps you should take is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a better idea of how much home you can afford and make the home-buying process more straightforward and smoother. There are a few things to keep in mind when getting pre-approved, such as:

• Check your credit score and report. You’ll want to make sure there are no errors that could negatively impact your score.

• Shop around for mortgage rates. Don’t just go with the first offer; compare rates from a few different lenders to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

• Get quotes from multiple lenders. Not all lenders offer the same terms, so getting quotes from several is essential to compare apples to apples is essential.

2. Shop around for the best interest rate

Different lenders offer different rates, so it’s worth taking the time to compare offers. Another tip is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This way, you’ll know exactly how much you can afford to spend on a house.

3. Choose a fixed-rate mortgage over a variable-rate mortgage

Fixed-rate mortgages offer stability because your monthly payments will stay the same for the life of the loan. This can be helpful if you are on a tight budget and need to know precisely how much your mortgage will cost each month.

4. Make a down payment of at least 20%

This will help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), which can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly expenses.

5. Negotiate your way to a good deal

Once you’ve found a few potential homes, it’s time to start negotiating. Don’t hesitate to ask for discounts or extras like appliances or upgrades. Remember, the worst that can happen is that the seller says no.

And even if they say no, you’ll still end up with a home you love and can afford. So don’t be afraid to ask for what you want – it could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

6. Don’t buy more houses than you can afford

It’s tempting to stretch your budget to get that extra bedroom or finished basement, but it’s not worth it if it means being house poor and constantly stressed about money. Remember that unexpected expenses always come up, so make sure to factor in a cushion for those just in case.

7. Live within your means

There’s a good chance you won’t find a home that ticks every box on your list, so be prepared to compromise on some things. Prioritize the features that are most important to you and be willing to let go of others.

Take a close look at your finances and figure out how much you can realistically afford to spend on a house. Once you have a number in mind, stick to i.

8. Invest money wisely

Investing money wisely also includes being strategic about home purchases. For instance, prices tend to be lower in the winter months. This may be an excellent time to start looking for a new home. Similarly, sellers may be more willing to negotiate if you can wait until after the peak home-buying season.

Conclusion

Home buyers make mistakes that end up costing them more money. Get pre-approved for a mortgage, shop for the best interest rate, and choose a fixed-rate mortgage instead of a variable-rate one. Also, negotiate when buying a home and only buy what you can afford. Finally, invest money wisely by being strategic about purchasing your home.

Are you ready to buy a house now? Hopefully, these tips gave you an idea of what to avoid when buying a home. Good luck!

 

No one ever wants to find ants in the place where they prepare and eat their food. But since ants like to eat too, the kitchen is one of the most likely places that you are to find ants in your home. So when this happens, it’s good to know what steps to take to get these ants out of your kitchen and away from your food and family.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three things to do when you find ants in your kitchen.

Figure Out Their Path

The very first thing you should do when you first notice an ant or two in your kitchen is to see if you can figure out the path they are on, either where they are coming from or where they are going.

If you’re able to figure out their path, you can then take steps that will help you eliminate those ants from your kitchen. Whether the ants are on the floor and coming from your back door or you find them around your kitchen backsplash, knowing where they are will make it much easier for you to kill them and get rid of whatever it is that might be leading them to that place in the first place.

Eliminate Their Food Sources

Once you know where the ants are coming from and where they are going, you then have to uncover why it is that they are wanting to come into your kitchen in the first place.

One of the biggest reasons why they are coming into your kitchen is likely to get food to bring back to their colony. Knowing this, you’ll want to do everything you can to eliminate their food sources. This should include things like putting away all of your food in air tight containers, cleaning up any food messes or spills as soon as they happen, and keeping any standing water to a minimum. By doing things like this, ants shouldn’t be as drawn to come into your kitchen.

Use Repellents You’re Comfortable With

There are all kinds of repellents available that you can use to keep ants and other pests away from your kitchen. Some of these are going to be more natural, like lemon, pepper, or borax, while others will be more chemical-based.

The choice that you make for repellents in your kitchen should be based on what you’re comfortable with having in your home and around the food that you’re preparing and eating. Some options might work better than others, so you may have to do some trial and error to find what repellents will work best for you and the ants in your kitchen.

If you find ants in your kitchen one day, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you know how to address this situation.

 

At your home the last thing you want to worry about is pests. Unfortunately, they can show up anywhere, even when you do you best to keep your home clean. If you find bugs or pests at your house, don’t panic! If you are unsure of what to do you can always call an exterminator. But before you do that, try some of these tips and tricks to get rid of them yourself.

Before deciding on what method you need to use you should try and identify the pest that is present. This is critical as some methods do not work with certain pests. If you are unable to identify the pest then you should contact a Pest Control company as they will be able to identify the bug or animal and determine the best path forward for removing or exterminating the problem.

If you are looking for non-chemical methods of solving your issue these are some of the best natural pest control methods out there.

Natural Products

The first is to make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas.

You can also try using lemon juice or vinegar as these are both acidic and will kill many bugs on contact.

If you have ants, try sprinkling some cinnamon around the affected area. The cinnamon will disrupt the ant’s ability to communicate and they will eventually die off.

You can also try using coffee grounds. The caffeine in the coffee will kill the bugs and pests on contact.

There are also a number of plants that act as natural pest repellents. These include lavender, peppermint, and rosemary. You can either plant them around your property or place them in pots inside your home.

Other non-chemical Methods

If you’re not a fan of natural methods, don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to get rid of pests without using chemicals.

One way is to use ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency, high-pitched sound waves that pests can’t stand. There are also traps you can use, like glue boards or snap traps.

For bigger pests like mice or rats there are a variety of traps you can use that will not kill the animal but will allow you to catch and release them elsewhere.

Chemical Solutions

If these methods are not working there are a number of chemical solutions that you can try. Make sure you read the labels carefully and follow the directions before using any chemicals.

The first is to use insecticidal sprays. You can either purchase these at a store or make your own by mixing water and dish soap. You must be careful when using these sprays as they can be harmful to humans if not used correctly.

You can also try using baits and traps that contain poison. These are effective but you need to be careful as they can also be harmful to pets and children.

Pests can be a huge pain, but with a little patience and effort, you can get rid of them for good. Just remember to take precautions and be safe!

 

The kitchen plays an important role in our lives. It’s the place where we prepare food for our loved ones or a spot where social gatherings and conversation happens.

Kitchen renovations have changed over the years, and more often than not, they incur the most cost when rebuilding. The materials used can be expensive, plus there are the appliances that you need to buy as well.

If you’re on a budget but still want to update your kitchen, there’s no need to fret. You can do this without spending too much. Want to know more? Read on below.

Repaint the walls

One of the most achievable things to re-do your kitchen would be to update the paint color. If you’re still holding onto the 90s look or sticking to the all-white palette that was popular back then, maybe it’s time to reconsider. Warm neutrals are becoming the norm, but you can also choose a contrasting color for highlights. If you DIY, the cost could be between $400 to $900.

Update kitchen appliances

One of the most exciting things when renovating your kitchen is choosing new appliances. If you have the budget, you might as well replace your fridge with one that is equipped with the most recent technology. It would also be wise to go to big stores and ask if they can give you a discount to bundle up a couple of appliances.

Now comes the challenging part: how to dispose of your old appliances?

There are many ways to do this. You can sell them to earn extra cash and use it to pay for your new appliances. If they’re too old to be sold and already beyond their life expectancy, you can hire a company such as Evergreen Junk Removal offering Junk Removal In Miami to take care of it for you. For a fee, they can handle the bulky items, from removal to disposal. They will take care of everything, whether it’s donating it to the needy or recycling it.

With an appliance upgrade, expect to spend a few thousand dollars, typically between $2500 to $4000, depending on what you purchase.

Install additional lighting

Most kitchens look old and dingy because of a lack of lighting. One of the cheapest ways to update your kitchen would be to change the lightbulbs or install more lighting. If you don’t have that much natural light to work with, equipping cabinets with lighting will make a huge difference when preparing meals. This could work out for you, especially if you like posting your cooking masterpieces on your Instagram or Facebook.

Making this your DIY project won’t cost you much, and expenses will range between $100 – $200. If an electrical installation is required, you may want to hire a licensed electrician to do the job for you.

A kitchen renovation is one of the best home projects to do and if you’ve always wanted to do it, right now is the perfect time. If you have the budget, you might as well use it to achieve the kitchen of your dreams.

Join the discussion on this topic with Family Ever After by visiting our contact page.

As passive and boring as water leaks may seem, they shouldn’t be ignored. You can tell that something is wrong when the water in your kitchen sink pounds every few seconds. React as soon as possible. Problems like these won’t just go away by themselves, and the longer you wait, the more expensive it gets. Additionally, you risk water damage, which would require a pricey restoration. Nobody can detect a leak in its infancy better than Risk Free Serv, and here’s what they said:

Check Your Water Meter

In case you wake up one morning thinking you might have a water leak, check your water meter. It is a simple check-up that anyone can do to discover if something is wrong. You should turn off the main valve and all water-consuming appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher. You should be able to notice any change on your meter if you wait a few minutes. Check back in a few hours and if you see anything, react. The best thing to do is to call a plumber.

Check Your Monthly Bill

Monitoring your water consumption and bills could also be helpful. You can compare your bills from the past 4 to 5 months if you suspect a leak somewhere in your home. As long as you see a significant increase over a short span of time and you know your water consumption hasn’t increased, you can proceed with the investigation. This method isn’t 100% accurate, but it can give you a good idea. It is common for homeowners, especially if they are not proficient, not to bother finding out where their water pipes are. That’s why you should get in touch with a plumber if the numbers are off. A leak might be coming from underground pipes you can’t reach. A professional plumber has the necessary training and equipment to investigate your home and unveil leaks thoroughly.

Malfunctioning Garden Hose

Leaks can occur outside your home as well. An irrigation system that fails can waste a lot of water. You should have it checked by a professional every now and then, especially when you actively use the system at the beginning of every season. As a result of exposure to elements, exterior faucets have a shorter lifespan. This means they are more likely to break or leak. Puddles of water in your yard may indicate a leak.

Try Food Coloring

A malfunctioning toilet may waste a lot of water. Color your toilet tank with food coloring. If there’s no leak, the water should remain colored if you didn’t flush. If the colored water leaves the tank and proceeds down to the bowl, you are probably dealing with a leak.

Regular Checkups

To prevent significant breaks that will require expensive repairs, every home must be inspected regularly. Preventing or reacting if you notice something fishy is always cheaper and easier. When you smell mold, it usually means you have a leak somewhere because mold prefers dark, humid environments.

If you own an older home with old plumbing, you should still invest in a thorough inspection by a professional, even if everything looks fine. A simple replacement today can save you a lot of money in the future.

The money you’d spend on a plumber to perform a checkup is significantly less than repairs that waste your money and, more importantly, your time. Sometimes you’d have to wait a day or two for a plumber to be available; that’s why prevention beats reparation always.

Many of us have recently moved from working at the office to working from home. Whether you found this shift to be stressful or rewarding, chances are you’ve had to learn to adapt to the new work environment. Blending two aspects of your life into one space can feel unsettling, so here are some top tips to help you set up the ideal home office.

Keep it Personal Yet Professional

One of the best benefits of working from home is the comfort you can enjoy while still being productive. This is why you must resist the urge to transform your home office into a purely professional space. Of course, you’ll want the room to serve its purpose effectively, but touches of home are what will make your home office more personal and relaxing. Decorate with your own taste and style in mind, put up plenty of family photos, and have your favorite concentration music playing. Take advantage of the fact that you do not have to share your workspace with colleagues.

Find Ergonomic Furniture and Accessories

When decorating your home office, it’s also important to remember that your comfort while at work is a top priority. Sitting in front of a computer screen at a desk all day can have severe health impacts, so make sure to take this into consideration when choosing your office furniture. If possible, try out different chairs before purchasing to ensure they fit your body and posture. Use a keyboard wrist rest and laptop stand if necessary to keep your arms, hands, neck, and eyes all in the best working position.

Consider Effective Lighting

Good lighting can have a surprisingly large effect on your ability to work comfortably at home. Not everyone will have their choice of all the rooms in their house, so you might be stuck with a room that has a bright window that blinds you while you work. Look for shutters at sunburstca.com and control the levels of sunlight in your office. Choose adjustable lamps and effective mood lighting to create an ambiance that encourages your productivity. Your environment greatly influences your ability to concentrate, even if you don’t notice it.

Set Clear Boundaries

Avoid having your home office in your bedroom, if possible, as creating distinct boundaries between rest and work are essential to effective productivity. Ask anyone else who shares your home to respect the boundaries of your office so you can work uninterrupted.

Organize Your Space

A cluttered and disorganized office space makes it more difficult to focus. Although you might insist that you can work amidst the ‘controlled chaos’, it is easier to lose essential objects or files if you don’t have a consistent organizational system. This applies to your physical and your digital workspaces. Save your digital files in locations you can easily retrieve them from or risk losing them at crucial times. If you remain organized, you will have less to remember and worry about in the long run.

Regardless of how smart, nice and talented your children are, chances are they probably weren’t born with inherent tidiness. Most kids are so busy having fun, that the last thing on their mind is cleaning up their mess. The truth is that children are so engrossed in their activities, that they often don’t realize the mess they’re spreading around them.

Yet, as a parent, it can be frustrating to constantly pick up their trails of junk. When you add on multiple children, pets, and a spouse, your cleaning load can feel overwhelming. Whether you have a cleaner or not, it’s a lot of work decluttering and putting things away. Fear not, parents with messy kids— here are some of the best tips for keeping your home tidy even with little roommates.

Use Baskets

You can’t organize everything ten thousand times a day only to have children pull them out again, and expect yourself not to go crazy. As the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them. So while you may not want to have toys scattered throughout every square inch of your house, you can declutter by using baskets.

Baskets are an effective, quick, and easy way to clear your living space in between play sessions. Putting baskets throughout rooms full of toys is a useful way to put toys away in a flash. If you have younger children, it’s also much more manageable for them to help straighten up if all they have to do is put something into a basket. Above all, baskets are trendy and cute, so who doesn’t love the idea of more baskets incorporated into their interior design?

Rotate Toys

Your kids will accumulate a lot of toys throughout their lives. At some point they’re going to get bored with some of them, and all they’re going to do is take up space. Instead of allowing them to occupy the majority of your home, put your toys away on a cycle.

Rotating toys doesn’t just reduce the clutter in your home, but it will extend the life of your toys, and make them feel like they’re getting new toys all over again when you pull them out in a few weeks or months. Since not everyone has the luxury of a big garage to store things in, you may want to consider renting a storage space or dedicating a closet specifically to toy rotations.

Give Kids Chores

Chores don’t just teach your kids responsibility, and life skills, they also keep you sane. You already have enough on your plate. Asking your kids to help pull some of the weight when it comes to cleaning is not unreasonable. Give your kids age-appropriate chores that will help take some of the pressure off your shoulders, and keep them accountable for participating in the responsibilities of the household.