5 Tips to Build a Fun and Safe Backyard Playground for Your Kids

Children deserve to be out in the fresh air, having fun. Playing outdoors is also a great way to exercise and burn off their energy. But how practical is it to visit the park every time to play?

Building a backyard playground can be a practical solution. However, while you may think your backyard background is safe for your child, as per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, around 50,000 kids get admitted to the emergency room yearly owing to injuries that occur on home playgrounds. 

So it is crucial to think about the safety of your child while building a backyard playground and not only consider the fun factor. Here are five tips you can follow while building a fun and safe backyard playground for your kids:

1. Choose the right location

Start by surveying the lane. Before you design the playground, you should decide where to build it. Everything, including site dimensions, water levels, expectable weather patterns, and irregularities in the land, should be taken into consideration.   

When it comes to space size, it will depend on your property. 

Other factors to be considered include:

• The location should be a safe distance from the streets. 

• It should be within view of your house. You should be able to see it through the windows as well.

• Make sure that the location is free of hazards such as electrical wiring or low-hanging trees.

• Avoid locations with things that could cause your child to trip.

2. Consider appropriate layouts

The item layout on the play structure will also play a central role in reducing injury risk. 

Take these tips into consideration while making item layout:

• Minimum Distance Between Swings - There should be 8 inches at a minimum between swings that don’t have a lot of sideways motion. Keep 12 inches at a minimum between the swing and the pole.

• Separate Bay - If you are installing tire swings, disk swings, or items that rotate 360 degrees, there should be a separate bay. It will help you avoid collisions.

• Distance Between Disk Swings With Lateral Movement - There should be 24 inches at a minimum between disk swings or other swings that have lateral movement and the poles.

• Distance Between a Swinging Item and Ground - The swinging items should be hung 8 inches at a minimum above the ground’s protective covering.

3. Pick age-appropriate activities

Younger kids may enjoy digging in the sand or sliding down the slide, but older kids will instead climb walls or cross monkey bars. So you will have to keep age in mind while picking activities.

Moreover, younger kids will often lack body strength to climb walls or cross monkey bars without some serious injury risks.

Whichever activities you choose for your playground, ensure to double-check the equipment. For instance, if you pick a slide, see that the slide surface is smooth to avoid cuts. An enclosed tube slide will also decrease the risk of falling off the slide.

If you really need to install monkey bars for younger kids, experts say the bars should not be above 60 inches high, and the gaps should be 12 inches apart or less. Eighty-four inches in height and 15-inch gaps are suitable for older kids.

4. Ground safety

Though you may have grass, it isn’t going to offer the safety your kids need to evade injuries. Many homeowners cover the grounds with shock-absorbing materials as it can lessen the impact if your child falls while playing. 

The rubber surface is also a good choice for ground safety. Luckily, you can make it appear pleasing to the eyes since it’s available in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. If anything, the surface will provide protection and simultaneously enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoors. 

Rubber surfaces are also mold and moisture-resistant, shock-absorbent, slip-resistant, durable, versatile, and easy to maintain. 

Since rubber surfaces are resilient, they can withstand heavy equipment and high impact activity. They are also sound-proof and relatively easy to install.

Just ensure that you pick the best-quality rubber surface and hire a certified flooring installer so that it is installed correctly.

5. Pick materials that are suitable for the outdoors

An essential aspect of building a safe and fun backyard playground is picking the right materials for the outdoors. Since the equipment is going to be exposed to elements, you want to pick materials that are durable. 

If you are using wood materials, they should be treated with a solution that will safeguard them from decay, molds, and pests, but they should be non-toxic. Woods like cedar, redwood, and pine are great choices.

While choosing metals, ensure that they are galvanized or painted. This way, they will not rust or wear out ahead of time. 

The hardware that keeps the equipment secure and stable should be chosen carefully. The bolts, screws, etc., should be corrosion-resistant as they are going to face different outdoor conditions. You can go for hot-dipped galvanized steel hardware as they are highly durable. If you find any exposed bolt ends, cap them to deter cuts and punctures.

Additional Tips

• Supervise: Supervise even if it is in your own backyard. Having an adult nearby is crucial for your child’s safety.

• Inspect equipment regularly: New equipment may be safe, but you need to ensure that they are still in good working order after you start using them for a more extended period. Check loose parts, exposed bolts, and so on and fix them.

• Tighten bolts: You need to check for loose bolts every two weeks as, over time, they can loosen. Tighten the bolts once before your children start using the equipment in Spring. Winter can accelerate the bolt loosening process as the materials expand and contract.

• Check S hooks: The S hooks are hooks that fasten equipment onto the structure. The hooks shouldn’t be loose as they will detach the swings and trap clothing. To check for loose hooks, slide a coin in the gap. In case the coin fits through easily, the hooks are loose. Make sure to tighten them using pliers.

Wrapping-Up

Having a backyard playground is convenient and a great way to keep your children engaged, happy, and healthy. 

However, if you are not careful while building the playground, your kids may easily get injured. Follow the safety tips mentioned in this article to build a safe and fun backyard playground for your kids.

Redecorating Your Home? 4 Ways to Make the Transition Complete

Everyone needs a little change in their surroundings sometimes. Redecoration is an easy way for you to keep things fresh and exciting. However, there are a few things people overlook when redecorating their homes that can give an extra pop to its new look.

Change Window Treatments

Most people know that painting a room in bright colors can make it feel bigger and brighter. Often, they miss that modifying their window treatments can have the same impact with less effort. If you want to substantially change their home, you can replace windows with new models that have internal privacy features. However, even switching out heavy drapes for gauzy curtains can bring more natural light into a room and help it feel less cluttered.

Replace Doors

Doors may be the most ignored part of a house. Most people don’t stop to think about doors beyond the act of opening and shutting them. The exception is when a door is squeaky, and even then, it just gets oil on its hinges. Replacement doors are a surefire way for you to make a big impact when redecorating your home. Changing a solid front door for one with a patterned glass window or switching out a patio slider for French doors can make a big difference in your home’s appearance.

Rearrange Furniture

Over time, everyone gets so used to their home that they can practically walk around it with their eyes shut. That means one of the most effective methods of redecorating is as simple as rearranging your furniture. Moving a couch from one wall to the other might not seem like a big change by itself, but by the time the rest of the living room furniture has been readjusted, you will see a remarkable difference.

Install Art

Thoughtfully considered art pieces are a wonderful way to develop your home’s theme. Rope accents, paintings of the ocean, and small ship statues can bring a sense of the beach into your home. Rustic wood carvings, pictures of mountains, and natural stone vases, on the other hand, help your house feel like a cozy cabin. Varying the artwork displayed throughout your home is guaranteed to make any redecoration a success.

No matter how you choose to redecorate, the most important thing you need to remember is that you should only make changes that you know will make you happy. A successful redecoration should always make you smile.

Guest Post - 5 Ideas For Creating Your Ideal Outdoor Living Space

There are several benefits to having an outdoor living space right within your property.

Creating an outdoor living area essentially adds square footage to your home, which will impact its value should the time to put it in the market ever come.

Your outdoor living space also provides you and your loved ones a place to unwind after a hard day at work and school. And if you’re up for family activities, your outdoor area is the perfect place for them.

You can also host parties and entertain guests there anytime you want. As long as you have patio heaters in the winter and residential patio misting in the summer, everyone will be comfortable no matter the weather.

More importantly, an outdoor living space brings health benefits, from helping your eyes rest to relieving stress.

If you’re planning on creating your outdoor living space, here are some ideas that can help you do it.

1. Make Appropriate Outdoor Furniture Choices

When shopping for furniture for your outdoor living space, there are several things you need to consider before buying them.

Do you intend to use it as a dining area? Are you thinking of making it a place to entertain guests? Or do you want it to be more of a place to relax?

In all likelihood, you’re going to use your patio for all three purposes, so make sure that the furniture you select would be appropriate for them.

Small and easy-to-move tables for snacks and drinks would be ideal. Comfortable seats that are washable and resistant to weather would also be great.

2. Go Green

Your outdoor area will feel a lot more comfortable and relaxing if there’s plenty of greenery around.

So, get that green thumb working and do some gardening.

Plant some shrubs, flowering plants, ferns, or even trees, which will also provide shade to your patio.

While you’re at it, you can also plant tall landscaping plants which can offer not just greenery and shade but privacy from your neighbors as well. Whether you go for bamboo or cacti (which can also double as a security fence!), you can be sure that you can relax, dine, and entertain friends on your patio in privacy.

3. Get More Patio Shade

Trees are great, but sometimes, they’re not enough to provide you with the amount of shade you need, especially during the summer.

If you want to add more shade for your patio, you can always spring for patio umbrellas, a patio canopy, or patio shades and curtains to block direct sunlight from the sides.

You can also make it a covered patio, so set aside a budget for the construction of a pergola, or you can just put up shade cloth patio covers to keep direct sunlight at bay.

4. Install A Water Feature

There are mobile apps that simulate the sound of flowing water to help users relax.

Why settle for an app when you can install a water feature near your outdoor living area and hear the sound of actual flowing water as you unwind?

You have plenty of choices as far as water features are concerned. Water fountains are common, although birdbaths can give them a run for their money. Some build koi ponds, while others go for tiered garden waterfalls.

5. Put Up Adequate Lighting

It would be such a waste if you only get to use your patio while the sun is up.

Your outdoor area should be well-lit so that you can enjoy its benefits even in the darkest of nights.

Overhead lights are a given, but you can get creative with your lighting options if you want.

One of the most common but creative ways of lighting up an outdoor area is through the use of string lights, which come in various shapes, sizes, and designs.

You can hang them from tree to tree or cover your hedges with them. An entire tree with dozens of string lights wrapped around its trunk would also be a fun idea.

You can also go old-school and put up tiki torches to light the pathway.

These are just some tips that can help you out when creating your ideal outdoor living space. By the time you’re done, you can be sure that your patio will be every bit as inviting, relaxing, and comfortable as you expected it to be.

About the Author

Anna Fox is the Content Marketing Strategist of Señor Mist, a Phoenix, Arizona-based company that provides high pressure misting systems/fog effects, comfort heaters, patio drop shades, hvls fans and more. When not writing, she makes use of her spare time reading books and hiking with her dog, Blaze.

Guest Post - Best Professional Moving Hacks to Make You Happy While Moving

Whether you are relocating your family to another town or moving your business to a new location, moving can be a stressful affair. However, you don't have to suffer the stress and challenges of moving when you have the right tips for a seamless move. With professional help, you can turn any relocation into a fun and exciting experience.

Are You Planning for a Move?

From making a budget and scouting for professional moving companies to packing your valuables, every step of your move determines how successful it will be. When planning for a move, the right moving services company can turn a stressful move into a fun and exciting experience. To help you achieve a successful relocation, we have compiled a few hacks you can use to make you happy while moving.

How to move: Getting Prepared

The key to a successful move is proper and early planning. Doing so saves you time and money and ensures that you still have time to relax before and after your relocation. To better organize your move, below are helpful tips you should consider when preparing for a move.

• Call your utility companies once you know you're moving. Immediately you know you are moving, contact your utility companies. Establish the utilities you need to cancel, transfer or turn on in your new location. Also, clear any bills you may to avoid ruining your credit and paying past-due bills.

• Find a mover fast. With numerous professional moving companies available, finding one that fits your needs and budget is crucial for a smooth move. The best way to find a mover is by asking for recommendations from your friends and family or using moving agents. The good thing about moving agents is that you get access to professional moving companies in your location.

• Set your budget. Budgeting for your move protects you from spending more than you intend and straining your finances. Create a budget that includes all your moving costs and set aside extra funds to cater to unforeseen expenses. Besides getting a quote from your moving company, you can use a moving costs calculator to find out how much you can expect to spend.

• Plan out your packing supplies. To ensure your items are safe while in transit, you need to pack them appropriately. Depending on what you are moving, find out how much packing supplies you require and where you can get them. Some of the packing essentials you may need include packing papers, boxes, tapes, and stuffing papers.

• Consume food items before moving. Moving food supplies, especially over long distances, may not be a good idea as they may spoil along the way. Therefore, eat up as much of the food you already have as possible before your moving day. For food supplies that are about to expire, consider donating them to neighbors or even charity.

The above tips will ensure you are ready when your moving day comes, so you don't have to make last-minute decisions.

Packing Tips and Tricks

Packing items for moving is one of the most cumbersome parts of moving. To make the process easier, below are a few packing tips and tricks you can use when packing your items to ensure you protect your valuables as well as save on space, costs, and time.

• Don't empty your dresser drawers as it gives you more items to pack. Remove the drawers and wrap them up together with the contents. If you have a light dresser, you can consider wrapping it up together with its drawers using plastic wrap.

• Leave your clothes on the hanger. Instead of removing clothes from their hangers, group them and place them in garbage bags. You can also put them in wardrobe boxes.

• Put your linens, towels, and other soft items to use.  You can use your soft fabrics like linen to protect fragile items such as glasses, mugs, and vases when packing them in boxes. Wrap sharp objects like knives with kitchen towels before tying them with rubber bands.

• Use pots to hold small items. Place small items like spices in large pots and containers. Doing so saves you space as well as the money you could have used in buying packing boxes.

• Pack your suitcases. Suitcases have wheels that make transportation easy. Instead of transporting them empty, use them to pack heavy items like books and bulky dishes.

• Color code boxes. You can save time by color-coding boxes instead of labeling them. Use different-color sheets for different rooms to help you identify where each item will go when unpacking.

• Put together a moving essentials bag. Pack a moving essentials bag that contains all the items you may need to access fast during your move. The bag should have your charger, medication, toiletries, crucial documents, as well as a change of clothes.

Always pack your items by room to avoid mix-ups and minimize your risk of losing them.

Last-Minute Moving Hacks

Sometimes, emergencies may cause you to move within a short time, giving you less time to prepare. Below are helpful last-minute moving hacks to ensure a successful move within short timelines.

• Start with logistics. Finding professional moving companies should be your priority. You should be able to know how you are going to move from one point to another.

• Pack now and sort later. When you are in a rush to beat deadlines, don't worry about labeling your boxes or organizing your items. Just pack your valuables and ensure that they are safe from damage.

• Leave some tasks to the movers. Handling everything by yourself means will cost you time and energy.  Professional moving companies can help you with services such as last-minute packing, although you may have to pay extra.

Conclusion

For households and businesses planning to move to Sarasota, Sunshine Movers is one of the best and most reliable professional moving companies.

We can help you move your household items, office equipment, furniture, and even specialty items like tradeshow goods and pianos. We also offer storage services in climate-controlled facilities in case you need to store your valuables.

Our team of trained experts coupled with adequate moving equipment guarantees efficiency in all our moves. What's more, we work with you to establish the right time for your relocation, so you don't suffer inconveniences. Contact us today for all your moving needs in Sarasota.

Infographic Provided By Moving Leads Company, USA Home Listings

Author Bio 

Robert Benson is a Creative Writer and Blogger possessing immense experience in writing informative content related to moving and packing. He is also a moving consultant in Sunshine Movers, helping people to make their move easy and successful. He has gained significant knowledge on the relocation process. He himself has moved 10 times already, which helped him explore the other side of the moving process.