You have a new home! What an exciting time full of new ideas followed by a bunch of questions. The process should be fun the whole way through. Our tip to you is: keep things organized and accessible. This way, you’re able to stay on top of everything and always be prepared.
The tips we will outline are very simple and definitely something you’re able to pass along to your friends as they move into their new home. As always, if you need anything at all, we’re here for you.
Homeowners Binder
The process is just like when you started school. Grab a three-ring binder, some tabbed dividers, and even folders if you’d like. Have fun with the process as you’re creating your home’s go-to resource. In the homeowners binder will be your home information, your closing paperwork, any appliance manuals, neighborhood information, insurance, etc. Place this binder where you can always access it and you’re ready for anything.
Air Filters
Get several air filters. The cost of air filters is very reasonable so grabbing 5 or 6 at one time is very doable. On the side of each filter, there is a cardboard/paper surface where you can write the dates you’ll need to swap filters. – write the months on each one. You will avoid a lot of unnecessary furnace or clean air issues by staying on top of replacing filters. The thinner the filter, the more often you change it. Regular filter replacement is every 3 to 6 months.
Emergency Fund
Start an emergency house fund. Homeowners are responsible for any improvements or repairs. Tucking away money (even a little at a time) will take the stress and pressure off when it comes to replacing a roof or fixing a pipe down the road. Isn’t there a saying where if you prepare, you won’t have to use it? I’m sure there’s something like that.
Save on Energy
Save money by saving energy. Simple changes like swapping light bulbs for LED bulbs, turning your water heater to 120 degrees and moving the refrigerator away from the oven can cut costs on the amount of energy needed for your home. Daily habits also play a role in saving energy. The top energy-sucking things in your home are cooling and heating, the washer and dryer, lighting and the water heater. A full list can be found HERE.
Electrical Box Labels
Relabel breakers. Open up that electrical box and take a look at the labels for each breaker. Is it in pencil? Are they correct? Make sure you know what’s what and have labeled them permanently. There’s nothing worse than needing answers about your power and the label is impossible to read…or is wrong.
Maintenance Dream Team
Build your home maintenance dream team. Choosing the people you’d like to work with before something happens is a lot less stressful and less pressure than having to scramble to find someone in an emergency situation. A good list to start includes an HVAC company, a plumber, an electrician, a handyman, a roofing company, pest control, and a locksmith. We are more than happy to share our recommendations as well. Contact us for any of the above.
Change of Address
File a change of address with the post office. With everything going on with the move, it’s really easy to overlook the simple stuff. While you’re at it, changing your address on your driver’s license is a good idea. This should be done within 30 days of your move.
Looking for more tips for your home?
We’ve got a lot of organizational hacks and money-saving hacks just waiting for you to use!
There are some very simple decor tips for your new house that make it feel like home. The whole moving process instantly gives us all the feeling of wanting new furniture and decor and just creating a fresh start. That feeling is not wrong at all – it’s expensive, though. How about some money-saving hacks that appear as if you have an endless bank account.
Finding a happy medium that still meets your needs for a fresh look and that dream home feel is completely possible.
We’ve gathered tips from professional home stagers, decorators and experts in order to give you everything decor-related for your new home. There are a lot of great tips, too!
Don’t rush to go shopping. Talk about starting off with a bang. Heading to the store to get furniture and decor all at once, tends to result in impulse purchases and also leads to the purchase of matchy-matchy items. Perfectly matched items create a cold-feeling atmosphere.
Curtains above the windows. The best news is that it doesn’t matter how big or small your windows are if you hang your curtains above your windows and wider set, your room looks a bit grander.
Art at eye level. When you hang your art, whatever it may be, hang it at eye level. A good idea is to grab a statement piece or cluster different size (smaller) art in a common area. Rule of thumb is 57” off the ground.
Layered lighting. Overhead lighting is the quickest way to take the “homey” feeling out of a home. Layer the lighting with lamps that are smaller and taller. This could be side table lamps, dim standing lamps, and dim counter space lighting.
Create a hotel bed. Think of your sleeping space as a sanctuary. Load it up with the sheets you love, splurge on the bedding you like and add a few more pillows. Not only will you love your bed but you’ll be happy to make your bed every day which also helps spruce up the decor.
Rugs in zones. A wall doesn’t have to be the divider between rooms or areas, a rug can accomplish the same thing. Place rugs in the different areas to signify a living space, a dining space, an entryway, etc.
Produce is decor. Talk about cost-effective decor that can be changed at any moment. Grab some fresh produce and create a centerpiece.
Soap containers. This is one of those tips that go a long way and will always work. Grab dish soap or hand soap or any liquid soap at a great price. Find one of your favorite reusable soap dispensers and fill it with the inexpensive soap.
Karate chop pillows. Those large decorative pillows on your sofa and bed can sit straight up and be a nice clean square or you can karate chop the middle for a fancier, high-end look.
The two-inch rule. Leave two inches of space between your furniture and the wall. Think of it as allowing breeze or air to float through your home. The goal is to eliminate tight spaces.
Bonus Tips:
We wanted to stop sharing tips but these bonus tips are definitely something we don’t want to leave out. Trays, mirrors, and scents are super-important so let’s move forward with even more ways to spruce up your home!
Trays. Things look better in trays. Add them as centerpieces or offset on an ottoman with a short stack of books, fresh flowers, and a candle.
Mirrors to reflect the outdoors. Hang smaller mirrors and lean larger mirrors across from windows to bounce the light around. The room will feel so much brighter. Heads up if you have a window in direct sunlight.
Scents are important. The smell of a room creates ambiance. Often times the sweeter scents aren’t as warm or welcoming (or even fresh) in a larger room. Think of the feeling you want when you enter a room. In the kitchen, apples or citrus scents reveal baking or clean. In living spaces, something with a woodsy smell or clean, airy scent will “trick” people into thinking it’s cleaner than it really is.
Keeping things picked up and staying organized seems to make the house run more smoothly. If everyone in the family is on the same page, the days seem to gain more hours. This means time for fun, adventuring up into the Foothills, taking a leisurely drive down Harrison Blvd or just relaxing at home and binging on the latest Netflix series.
We have hundreds of tips we would like to share and, if you like this, we may do just that. Let’s start with just five really easy steps.
FAMILY CALENDAR
A family calendar works for a family of two or a family of ten. No matter the size of the family, everyone should know what the plans are. Being on the same page is crucial for daily flow.
We are fans of syncing calendars on our phones but nothing beats having an old fashioned paper calendar where everyone can see it. This is a place for everyone to include their activities, plans for the day, appointments, etc. Don’t overlook the small stuff like “project due today” or “clean bedrooms”.
LABELS
If it’s in a closet or cupboard and it has a surface, put a label on it.
In the pantry, label bins with what is inside. This helps find what you need with a quick glance and also cuts down the question of whether or not you have the ingredient for your next meal or if there are snacks for your little ones.
In the linen closet, label the bins and drawers with categories like “first aid” and “summer supplies.” As an added bonus (and a little tip we came across), check out the most brilliant way to store your sheets.
In the refrigerator, grab clear containers you can set on the shelves. In each container, place food that is ready to eat. wash veggies and cut them (if necessary) so you can grab and go. For the kids, place the snacks you approve of them eating at eye level.
CONTAINERS
Under the sinks and in the garage seems to be no man’s land. Once a cleaner or box of Q-Tips finds it’s way there, it seems to either disappear or attract other random things.
Find small containers for under bathroom sinks or on bathroom counters. Empty out the box or package and put in a holder where you can see what you have. With cleaners, do the same thing. Empty out your sprays or surface cleaners into clear (and labeled) jars or spray bottles.
BLANKETS
Our cozy covers need a home, too. Nothing cleans up a room more than folding a blanket and putting it away.
LAUNDRY HAMPER
When life gets busy, clothing seems to be attracted to the floor or corners of the room. To stay organized and make laundry day move a bit more quickly, put laundry hampers in each bedroom. If at all possible, use multiple so laundry is separated as you go. This will also provide an opportunity for all members of the household to take part in doing laundry. If it’s already separated, why not make it a group effort?
Bonus Tip: Clear That Counter
We couldn’t end this without sharing something that makes a HUGE difference in the way a home looks. The kitchen is the centerpiece so when the kitchen is picked up (we didn’t say clean – there’s a difference for sure), the whole house looks serene. Clear the counters and empty the sink. Just making space in the kitchen area can bring on a sigh of relief.
Want More Tips and Hacks?
Sick kids? Grab your cleaning checklist HERE and get to work ridding your home of all germs.
Want to save at the grocery store? We have compiled some money-saving hacks (and some secrets) HERE.
The season between the holidays and spring seems to be when this never ending sickness takes over our homes. When one kid gets sick, the rest of the family follows like dominos.
The question we all have is: What is going around? This National Cold & Flu Map helps show what’s going around in our specific area. Click the link and then click on Idaho. From there, you can narrow it down to your neighborhood. This explains why we hear everyone coughing everywhere we go!
As parents, we long for quiet moments when the kids are all snuggled in bed. When the kids are snuggly and quiet because they don’t feel good – that’s the worst. It is in those moments where we wish for the crazy kids that wear us out. Let’s get them back to that monster running around the living room that we all know and love.
In order to keep the germs from spreading, use this checklist of 10 things to clean when the kids are sick.
Sick Kid House Cleaning Checklist
Open Windows: It’s cold. We know this. Also, the whole “we’re not heating the outdoors” saying comes to mind when making this suggestion but hear us out. The goal is to bring some fresh air indoors and put the air in motion. 15 to 20 minutes of airflow will do.
Clean Handles and Knobs: This is far more than just a wipe down. We’re talking disinfecting wipes to the door handles, the toilet handles, the sink knobs, the drawer pulls, the cupboard handles – anything that has been touched by germs in the past 48 hours. This process may seem a bit tedious but it will be worth it when your little one is feeling better and everyone is healthy.
Replace Toothbrushes: This is one of the germs’ favorite places to live. If you have a toothbrush disinfector, definitely take advantage of the features. If not, perhaps getting some cheap toothbrushes to use for a couple of days and then use a fresh toothbrush when the kids are healthy.
Wash Bedding: The washer and dryer will get a bit of a workout. A tip is to wash bedding on hot. Germs can survive on cold and even warm cycles.
Disinfect Phones: Have you heard that cell phones have 10 times more germs than most toilet seats? Makes you want to wash your phone all the time, doesn’t it? The phone is a must-clean item for when there are germs inside the home. If you have an iPad, go ahead and give that a quick swipe as well.
Wash Hand Towels: A super helpful tips is to designate a “sick” hand towel. Everyone else can use a different one. Keep the sick towel clean and continue to replace it.
Wash Hands with Antibacterial Soap: It seems like the obvious answer but what often happens is hands are washed but not with anti-bacterial soap. Be sure to look for “antibacterial” on your hand soap to ensure that you’re washing those germs away.
Disinfect Surfaces: Avoid sponges or towels. Instead, use disinfecting wipes for surfaces, bathroom counters, and even tables. Some surfaces rarely get wiped down so this is a great time to get ahead on some cleaning.
Disinfect Remotes: Just like our phones, remotes hold all types of germs. It’s a super simple and quick step in the cleaning process to grab a disinfecting wipe and make sure the remote has been cleaned. Don’t forget game controllers as well
Disinfect Stuffed Animals & Favorite Blankets: In a lot of cases, this is a challenge for us to be on our game. Perhaps when the kids are sleeping, you swoop in and grab that favorite blanket or stuffie and throw it in the washer and dryer. Just like with the bedding, wash on hot in order to kill the germs.
With the weather being so mild (and on some days not mild), you can still winterize your home. If it feels better to call it pre-spring cleaning, we would be a fan of that, too.
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