3 Things To Try When Decluttering A Space In Your Home

If you’re like most people, you likely have at least one area of your home that has more clutter than it should. Whether you like the feeling of your space being filled with things you love or you simply don’t know how to maintain your home any other way, there can be major benefits to decluttering your space every once in a while. However, actually doing the decluttering can be challenging.

To help you meet this task, here are three things to try when decluttering a space in your home. 

Don’t Keep Expired Items

One of the best places to start when you’re attempting to declutter in your house is to get rid of items that are expired. 

According to Amanda Garrity, a contributor to Good Housekeeping, this can easily be done in the bathroom or the kitchen where you can see the date stamped on the item and then know if you’ve had it for too long. If this is the case, simply toss that item and get a new one if you need it. Otherwise, enjoy the extra space you now have without that thing taking up unnecessary space. 

For items that don’t have a set expiration date, like clothes or other belongings, you may want to think about when the last time you used that item was and if you plan on using it in the next three months or so. If you can’t remember when you last used or even moved that item, it’s safe to say that it’s expired from your life and can be donated or trashed. 

Get In A Moving Mindest

In some instances, people need a little more motivation to really declutter their lives effectively. If you’re going to be packing up and moving soon, whether that’s to a new home or into an assisted living facility, you’ll likely want to get rid of as many things as possible so that your move is lighter.

Even if you’re not planning to move soon, Shifrah Combiths, a contributor to Apartment Therapy, suggests that you pretend that you’re moving so that you can really streamline the items in your home. Try to imagine that you’re having to pack up and move or store these items before you decide to keep them. And if you can’t imagine that they’re worth the effort, get rid of them. 

Create Systems You Can Maintain

When people declutter and reorganize their space, they often set themselves up for failure by making their systems too rigid for them to maintain after the excitement of decluttering has worn off.

To combat this, Toria Sheffield, a contributor to Bustle.com, recommends that you aim for decluttering and creating organizational systems that will work for you in your everyday life. If it’s good enough for you to live with consistently, then you’ll have a much better chance of sticking with it. 

If you’re needing to declutter space in your home, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you effectively do this. 

Guest Post - Tips for Keeping Your Home Secure This Christmas

During the Christmas season, you surely don’t want to deal with any situation like Kevin McCallister faced in “Home Alone.” While it’s highly unlikely you’ll accidentally leave a kid at home who must secure it from two con men, you still want to employ some tactics to ensure safety this holiday. 

Here are some tips for keeping your home secure this Christmas, and these are a bit more practical than attaching an iron to a lightbulb pull-string.

1. Don’t Tell the Internet Your Travel Plans

The No. 1 mistake people make if traveling during the holidays is putting travel plans on social media. Although you may want to let everyone know you’re going to be spending Christmas at the beach, the information can spread to unwanted visitors. You don’t want to come home to a robbed house. 

Even if you keep your social media pages private and secure, people still find a way to access that information. Have a trusted friend or neighbor watch your house if you travel. Be sure to keep your plans to yourself, and make sure you follow COVID travel rules so you can stay safe and healthy. 

2. Inspect Your Christmas Lights

A leading cause of house fires around Christmastime is faulty lights. Before stringing your holiday lights both inside and outside your home, check the wires and bulbs. Replace anything that’s broken and throw away any wires that have frays in them.

Additionally, turn off your lights for bedtime and if you won’t be home for a few hours. 

3. Lock Your Doors

This should be a rule for any time of the year, but break-ins increase during the holiday season, so be extra cautious about locking your doors. Deadbolt locks are better for preventing break-ins than just a regular door lock. 

Even if you live in a safe neighborhood, you never know when something might happen. In addition to locking your doors, make it look like someone is home at all times to ward off intruders.

4. Check Smoke Alarms

A fire, some candles and the lights on your Christmas tree make it a cozy time of the year. However, if the flames are near any dry material, things could turn deadly fast.

Ensure all your smoke alarms work. If needed, replace the batteries. 

5. Stow Packages and Gifts

Make sure you hide any packages or gifts that come to your doorstep. Since it is the season of giving, you’re likely purchasing items online, or people send gifts to your doorstep. Thieves have an easier time grabbing things off your porch around Christmastime because there is more to take. The holidays are a prime time for stolen packages. 

To prevent anything from being stolen or to catch the thief, install a security camera on your door. Additionally, you can leave special instructions to the delivery person so they can place the package in a more hidden area.

Have a Safe and Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal!

Although Kevin did a great job at protecting his home during the holidays, you can take preventive measures to keep your home secure in more practical ways. 

Be safe. Be cautious. Be merry.

Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.

Guest Post - How to Elevate Your Bathroom to Futuristic Standards

When you think about making modern home upgrades, rooms like the kitchen or master bedroom might initially come to mind. While these areas are important since you might be spending a lot of time there, don’t neglect your bathroom in the process. 

Smart homes and houses that feature futuristic technology are becoming more popular than ever. And, it’s easier to make your bathroom fit in with that futuristic, luxurious look than you may realize. 

With that in mind, let’s look at a few easy, practical ways to upgrade and elevate your bathroom to futuristic standards. By making some changes, you can create a luxurious spa-like feel in the comfort of your own home. 

Focus on Conservation

The environment is a hot topic right now because more people are starting to take notice of the dangers we’re facing. Climate change is a serious issue, but so is water conservation. Water demand has tripled over the last 50 years, and continues to get even greater. Thankfully, when it comes to the water used in your bathroom, there are several different upgrades you can make to use less and do more for the planet, including: 

• Installing a low-flow toilet to save up to 27,000 gallons of water a year

• Checking all faucets for leaks

• Attaching water-saving showerheads

• Installing aerators for your faucets

If you really want to invest in an upgrade, consider buying a new water heater or water softener. Most models today are more energy efficient and can lower your utility bills. Plus, if you belong to the 85% of American homes with hard water, a new water softener can help to keep your bathroom looking cleaner. Your tub, toilet, and sink won’t get yellow/brown rust stains, which will keep everything sparkling and looking more modern. 

The more you’re willing to update in your bathroom when it comes to appliances and accessories that can help with water conservation, the more you’re protecting the environment in the future. 

Let There Be Light

The lighting in your bathroom can make a big difference in the overall look and feel. Modern, large-scale lighting can make your bathroom look more futuristic and luxurious in an instant. Don’t be afraid to get creative and bold with your lighting choices. Installing a chandelier as an accent light, for example, is a great way to make a statement and control the mood. 

Bath bar lights, sconces, and vanity lighting can also give your bathroom an updated look, especially if you’ve been dealing with the same lighting for years. 

If you really want to make your bathroom feel like a modern, expensive spa, consider layering your lighting. This is a technique most spas and salons use to set the right mood. Installing a dimmer switch is a great way to change the mood depending on what you’re doing. 

For example, if you want a nice, relaxing bath, setting the lights low can help you relax. You can use brighter lights in the morning when you’re showering and getting ready for the day. The simple addition of a dimmer can make a big difference in your overall control of the bathroom, and it can make it feel sleeker. 

These are, of course, just a few ideas to help you get started on your futuristic bathroom. Think about some of the features you would most like to see in your bathroom to make it feel more luxurious. Those features may be more ‘doable’ than you realize! 

The future is here, and it’s not impossible to make modern changes to your bathroom that will make things more convenient while bringing your space up to date. Additionally, by choosing energy-efficient, LED bulbs in your fixtures, you’ll be doing another great service to the planet!

Author Bio: Noah Rue is a freelance writer.

Current Design Trends to Incorporate in Your Kitchen Remodel

Families spend much of their time in the kitchen, so this crucial gathering place must be as well-designed as possible. Today's home designers often create kitchens that are open and prominent because this functional room is the home's heart and operations center. More people are opting to cook meals from home these days, so kitchens are becoming more and more important to people. Carefully planned kitchen remodeling that considers current design trends can make a substandard kitchen shine and give a home the greatest appeal if it's put on the market.

Light and Organic With Large Islands

White, beige, or other light-colored quartz countertops and natural-colored cabinets are among anticipated top trends in kitchens for 2021 and beyond, according to recent research conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Subway-style backsplashes, organic materials and dedicated device charging, and viewing stations are also trending. Large islands will remain a prominent design element, according to the survey, and L-shaped kitchens will be trendier than ever before.

Pop of Color

If neutral color schemes aren’t your thing, you’re in luck. Colorful cabinets have been all over social media and design blogs. An easy way to make your kitchen modern is by painting the cabinets a shade of green or blue. This trend can even become timeless if done correctly. And if trends change in the future, you can just easily paint over the cabinets. You can also choose neutral cabinets, but decide to add your pop of color to your backsplash or walls. Choose an accent wall to paint a trendy color. This is a non-committal way to make your kitchen trendy.

Small-Space Design

Many people are drawn to smaller spaces. The minimalist way of living is becoming more and more popular. This is manifesting in people’s kitchen areas. Utilizing the space you have is key because of this. Instead of purchasing a large dining room table, add a bar table and chairs into your kitchen. Instead of filling your countertops with appliances, purchase an all-in-one toaster oven or air fryer. Don’t overcrowd your kitchen with decor either. Clean and empty countertops are more desirable right now. Remember the phrase “less is more” if you want to achieve a minimalist and compact feel in your kitchen. 

Trendy Hardware

One of the easiest ways to make your kitchen up-to-date is in the hardware. You don’t have to completely tear up your kitchen and add new cabinets, countertops, and flooring. Brass hardware is especially trendy right now. Find some new brass knobs for your cabinets. If you do want to complete a total home remodel, pairing brass hardware with green or blue cabinets will make your home perfectly on trend for the coming year. Another simple way to add some warming hardware to your kitchen is through your faucet. Statement faucets are also predicted to be on trend next year. These may cost you a few hundred dollars, but can make a large difference in your kitchen overall. 

Smart Kitchens Have Arrived

Appliances that are linked to smart home controllers or mobile phone apps are no longer something of the future. Adding smart refrigerators and stoves is possible at any time, but kitchen remodeling is a perfect opportunity to add sensors, smart gadgets and other innovations that may not have been available when the kitchen was built. This can include upgraded LED lighting that can be dimmed and turned on or off without switches. Smart faucets that sense when hands or pots are present under them are available now too.

Hardwood Flooring Still Trending

Some ornate aspects of traditional kitchens are fading away in favor of simpler design elements, but one thing that hasn't faded in its appeal in recent years is hardwood flooring. This classic floor covering is expected to remain the most popular choice for many years to come. For homeowners who want something different, ceramic flooring is now trending because of its wide range of sizes, styles, and designs. In fact, tile is available that looks like hardwood but is even more durable. Ceramic tile that looks like stone is also popping up in more kitchens than in years past.

In 2021, trendy homeowners will be looking for simple, natural design as well as sophistication in appearance and capabilities in their kitchen remodels and in every aspect of life. The ideal kitchen combines personal style with trends that will endure to create a kitchen that meets a family's needs, reflects its style, and doesn't feel dated before it wears out.