5 Things To Consider Before Buying a Washing Machine

A washing machine can be a sizeable investment and should last you for years and years. As a result, you can’t afford to buy a model that doesn’t meet your needs. You’ll need to examine various criteria to find the right one. Here are five things to consider before buying a washing machine that can help you make your decision.

Which Type You Prefer

Washing machines are available in two main varieties: top-loading and front-loading. Many people prefer to invest in top-loading washing machines because they’re easy to maintain and care for.

You don’t have to switch clothing between tubs in a top-loading washing machine since it has a single tube for washing and rinsing. The device also controls when to take and stop the water during cycles.

You load a front-loading washing machine from the front side since its drum sits horizontally. It boasts sophisticated technology compared to a front-loading machine, but it comes at a premium and requires more maintenance.

Size of the Machine and Space

Take measurements of the available area in your residence where you will install the appliance, then compare them to the dimensions of washing machines in your price range. Washing machines come in assorted sizes, so you can pick one that fits your requirements.

Energy Efficiency

Washing machines require different amounts of energy depending on the type. Despite being easier to use, top-loading washers use more energy than front-loading washers. Therefore, a front-load washer may appeal to you if you want to lower your monthly energy bills. Keep in mind, however, that they have a higher initial investment.

Noise Level

Although washing machines are not the loudest appliances in the house, they produce a lot of noise. As a result, compare the noise levels of several washing machines and select one that performs the most quietly if this is a significant factor for you. You measure noise in decibels (dB), and the higher the dB, the louder the machine.

Machine Design

While this is mainly a matter of personal preference, there is no harm in selecting a visually appealing washer. Many washing machines are now available in various colors and finishes instead of the typical white.

When you apply the five things to consider when buying a washing machine for your purchase, you’re more likely to get the right appliance for your needs. You can thus feel much more confident about your choice.

Top Tips for Maintaining a Clean and Organized Garage

The extra space available in the garage can easily become a messy and cluttered storage space. If you're looking to improve the organization and cleanliness of your garage, read on for some helpful tips.

Get Rid of Your Old Stuff

It is essential to get rid of old items to maintain a clutter-free garage. Not only can you improve organization, but you also improve the aesthetic of your garage with this change.

There are several ways to get rid of your old stuff. One way is to rent a dumpster or use a garbage removal service---this is a good option if you have a lot that needs to be thrown out. You can also consider metal recycling services for things like wires and metal scraps. Lastly, you can sell your old items online to make a little extra cash.

Establish a System for Organization

A garage is a place where you can store all kinds of things. You can keep your car, sports equipment, bikes, holiday decor, gardening tools, furniture, and other things that can get cluttered and messy-looking.

The best way to organize a garage is to have a system. Having a place for everything will help you to find the things you need when you need them. The first step in organizing your garage is to identify what you want to store in it to eliminate anything that doesn't fit into your plans for the space. Consider labeled bins or boxes to keep similar items together.

Take an Inventory

Garage organization can be a big task that requires a lot of work. To organize a garage, taking an inventory of what you currently have and what items you need to purchase is essential. It is important to organize your garage into sections and see what you have. Once you complete the inventory, designate an area for each category to provide easy access.

Maximize Wall Space

Maximizing wall space will help organize a garage because it provides you with the space to store your goods. You can also maximize wall space to store your souvenirs with a little creativity. You can also add panels that you can cut and rearrange to fit whatever you need.

Final Thoughts

For many homes, the garage is a multipurpose area. Maintaining a clean and organized garage will improve the functionality of this space and make it easier for you to find the things you need when you need them. Keep these tips in mind as you find an organization system that works for you.

How to Organize a Basement Area for Maximum Storage

Many basements are used to store waste. As a result, clutter forms over time. While a basement can serve as a great storage space, most basements are not designed to be dumping grounds.

Many people will store their gym equipment, old furniture, and other unused items in their basements and then forget about them.  A properly maintained basement will last longer and will not attract pests that can make your living situation unpleasant.

Here, our focus will be on how you can organize your basement area for maximum storage.

Steps to Organize Your Basement

When you clean and organize your basement space, you are triggering a reset of the room. While you go through your basement, you will encounter many items that you have not used for months or even years.

Clutter is something that should be avoided. Clutter takes up space and makes it hard to navigate a room. Clutter will also attract dust and pests and may even rot, depending on the housed items.

A junk removal service may be of service. Simply call or email a junk removal company in your area. They will pick up any unwanted items and recycle, donate, or dispose of your unwanted basement items.

By donating items you no longer use, you will essentially be giving them a new lease on life.

Create a Master Plan

Before you tackle your basement, you should create a master plan. Your master plan will help you in the decluttering process by saving you time and stress. Efficiency is the name of the game.

Create a realistic schedule for the project. Create a deadline and stick to it.  Factor in time for breaks, meals, and other projects to avoid burnout.

You can take advantage of long weekends and the holidays to take care of business. Friends and family can also be asked to volunteer their time to expedite the process.

Declutter Your Basement

It is now time to declutter your basement and bring your master plan to fruition.  It may help to sort unwanted items together. The condition and size of your basement will either make your organizational challenge easier or more difficult.

The decluttering process may prove daunting, so try and take frequent breaks to reduce your stress. Old furniture and other obsolete items should be thrown out or donated to a local charity.

Some items that are worn but still functional can be refurbished. They can then be donated to the less fortunate, or they can even be sold. You can try selling unwanted items on local classified websites or online auction websites to make some money.

Plan Your Basement Storage Area

If you want to make the most of your basement space, you need to plan ahead of time. Sturdy shelving is very important. The items you plan to store should be carefully measured beforehand to ensure adequate shelf storage for them.

If you wish to build your shelves, you should use plywood that is paintable and 2x4 studs. Also, do not place heavy items on the topmost shelf, as you may injure your back when you try to remove them for future use.

If you have several storage areas, then specific areas should be set aside for certain items. You may also want to add large labels to boxes or containers, as doing so will make it easier for you to identify items in the future.

Moreover, using plastic bins will also make it easier to see what is inside them. Airtight lids can help certain items last longer and prevent bugs and other pests from accessing them. However, certain items, such as clothing, should not be stored in airtight containers.

Clothing requires ventilation. If you would rather use cardboard boxes to store your clothing, then avoid stacking them so that they will have sufficient air circulation.

In addition, if you have sewing equipment, then they can be stored using pegboards. You can opt for magnetic systems to store tools. 

If you also use your basement as a rec room, you can save some space and make your basement appear more modern by installing a wall system with baskets that slide in and out.

You should also look under the stairs to see if there is sufficient space for storage. If your budget allows for it, you can also look into adding a few built-in cabinets to further expand your home’s storage capacity.

Groundwater is also a possible issue, depending on where you live. If you have valuables that you need to protect from groundwater, then you should try to keep them off the floor if possible.

You can make tracks on the ceiling by fabricating a basic flange system. All you will need is some basic framing material to make it.

Then, store your items in Tupperware containers and hang them in the flange system to expand your home’s storage capacity further. Use your basement’s ceiling as an additional storage unit.

Taking the First Step

Decluttering a basement and maximizing its storage capacity will take some planning. The basement accessories that you use should help prevent moisture damage and should provide optimal ventilation.

Maximal access is also a must, as you will need to access your basement now and then without feeling claustrophobic or possibly injuring yourself. Metal cabinetry and shelving are also superior to wood-based storage solutions, as most basements are vulnerable to dampness.

Cardboard boxes should also be used as a last resort. Instead, try to use plastic bins whenever possible to help protect your valuables from damage.

A junk removal company can also be of use if you have many items in your basement that you wish to throw out, recycle, or donate without having to handle all of the work yourself.

Source:

37 Basement Storage Ideas And 9 Organizing Tips - DigsDigs

The ultimate unpacking checklist

Most people think that unpacking is the easiest part of the moving process. However, if not done properly, it can end up giving you an even bigger headache than decluttering and packing combined. To help you prevent this from happening, we've prepared the ultimate unpacking checklist. Since the way you pack is essential for easy unpacking, we've prepared useful packing tips, too. The only simpler thing would be hiring professionals to do everything for you.

Make unpacking simpler by packing properly

Paying attention to how you pack is the best way to make unpacking and settling into your new Connecticut home easier. The first step towards making this more manageable is to declutter your home. By getting rid of unnecessary belongings, you'll reduce the amount of stuff you'll have to pack and then unpack.

Once you decide what you want to bring with you to your new place, it's time to start packing. Here are the three most important packing tips that will make unpacking easier.

• By packing one room at a time, you'll be able to group your belongings.

• While packing each room, make an inventory of your belongings. You'll be able to do a final clutter check and potentially decide if there is something else you'd like to toss. It's important not to skip this step. The experienced packers from Teddy Moving and Storage confirm that making an inventory is crucial if you want to make unpacking hassle-free.

• Make sure to label each box and write it down in your inventory. This way, you'll be able to look at your list, take a box to the right room, unpack it and place its content where it belongs.

• Set aside a box of essential items you'll need for your first night in your new home. After a tiring day, the last thing you want is to go through boxes looking for your toiletries and pajamas.

The unpacking checklist that will make your relocation easier

After an easy transfer from NYC to Connecticut, it's time to start unpacking. It's only normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure about where to begin. However, we're here to make it easier. Further in this article, you'll find our unpacking checklist.

Compare boxes to your inventory list and sort them

If you didn't have enough time to check every box as it was being carried inside by movers, now is the time to do it. Use your inventory list or the one provided by your moving company if you didn't make it yourself.

If you can't find something, make sure to contact your moving company. Also, take each box to the room it belongs to as it will be much easier to unpack it there. If you labeled the boxes while packing, it will be pretty easy to do this.

Set your priorities

Don't rush unpacking. You don't have to start doing it as soon as you move in. Remember, there are no more deadlines or moving dates you need to be mindful of. Therefore, take your time, and if you have more important things to focus on at the moment, don't neglect them only because you have to unpack.

Even though you might not feel comfortable living among piles of cardboard boxes, you still may have more important things to do. Maybe you need to prepare for work the next day or run errands in your new town. Whatever it is, take as much time as you need.

Create an unpacking strategy

If you prepare the right unpacking strategy, you already did half of the job. If you create a good unpacking plan and stick to it, the entire unpacking process will go smoothly, even unnoticed.

We guarantee there will be no emotional bursts or moments of high frustration or tension. After all, without a deadline constantly burdening you, you can relax and do things at your own comfortable pace.

Unpack only the essential things

The last thing you want to be doing after arriving at your new Connecticut home is to instantly start unpacking. A shower and clean bedsheets probably sound much better after all the hard work you invested into your move.

So, on your first and even your second day, try not to get too overwhelmed and unpack only the essential things.

Decide where to start

When it comes to deciding where to start, you'll probably come across many different opinions. However, most moving professionals agree that your kitchen should be the first room to unpack.

If you don't have time to completely unpack all of your kitchen items, unpack only what you need and use the most. Hook up appliances, and after you're done with the rest of your home, you can come back and organize your new kitchen in detail.

You are the one choosing when and where to start. Usually, it depends on the time of day you arrive at your new place. For instance, if you move in during the early afternoon, you might still feel energized and willing to unpack your kitchen first. On the other hand, if you arrive late in the afternoon or evening, your priorities will probably be the bathroom (a hot shower) and bedroom (good night's sleep).

The bottom line

We hope our unpacking checklist will help you settle quickly in your new home. Now that you know how to efficiently handle unpacking, it's time to think of ways to add a personal touch to your space and make your new Connecticut home reflect your personality. Best of luck with your move!