How to Make Better Use of the Space in Your Garage

Garages aren't just for parking your vehicles. Whether you have an attached single car garage or a detached three-car garage, make the most of this usable space by getting it in good shape for activities like a workshop, an art studio, or a woodworking bench.

Organize the Space

Decide the best configuration of the garage area for your hobby or workstation. A workbench, for example, might fit best at the rear of the garage. But if you have just one vehicle parked in a two-car garage, you could partition the unused parking area for your other work. A partition could be a basic concrete block half-wall or even a row of potted plants. You might prefer to have no division of the spaces for an open feel. But it will help to decide where you want to do your new activity and concentrate on organizing that area for the purpose.

Install a Garage Floor

If you plan to spend time in the garage, it might be a good idea to install durable, water-proof garage flooring. Indoor-outdoor linoleum, tiles, or carpet will help to keep the area dry, clean, warm, and stable for foot traffic or moving things around. This is especially true if the garage has a dirt floor or an aging concrete floor that is starting to crumble or crack.

Add Heating or Cooling Equipment

A portable heater should be adequate to heat the garage while working there in cold temperatures. You may also want to get a portable air conditioner to keep the area cool and comfortable on warm days. A fan can help to move around light dust from your garage work so that it doesn't settle everywhere, unless it is substantial. Make sure the electric wiring in the garage is adequate for the appliances and equipment you plan to use.

Make Sure the Garage is Protected

While you probably won't need to insulate the walls, it will help to keep the roof in good shape to prevent leaks. Any windows should be secure and stable. The door should be fitted with a lock if you plan to keep valuable tools or materials stored there. If you don't have a wallboard up, pound down or remove protruding nails, and get rid of insects or rodent nests.

It won't take much to get more usage from your garage. Turn your garage area into extended usable space for other activities in addition to parking your car.

Guest Post - Thinking of Moving? 11 Things to Consider First

Many of us ponder the idea of moving. Whether it's moving out of an apartment into a house or moving from one neighborhood to another, moving is something that will cross your mind from time to time. If you're thinking of moving, there are a few important considerations you should take. Instead of packing your bags right now, stop and consider the following: 

1. Crime Rates

Before moving to a new city, you might want to know a little bit about its crime rate. Sacrificing your safety for a lower mortgage may not be worth it. You can check a city's overall safety ratings online with a quick Google search before deciding to move. 

2. Cost of Living

If you're moving from the country to the city, you must know that your cost of living is going to change. Apartment, building amenities, and location play a big part in determining rent price. For example, living in Chicago is going to be much more expensive than living in the suburbs of Illinois. 

3. Moving Itself

Moving isn't fun, and it isn't easy. Between packing up your belongings and moving everything into a new home, it's always a stressful time. Luckily, you can make moving easier by hiring professional movers to take care of moving any heavy items like your couch or workout machines. 

4. Schools

Whether you're already a parent or plan on having children in the future, you'll want to consider the school district in the palace where you're considering moving to. Make sure that the schools rank well when it comes to graduation rates along with college attendance. Check out the options in the area to determine what types of schools are available, from charter and private schools to public schools.

5. Weather

If you're considering moving to a new state, you have to realize that you have no idea what the weather might be like. If you're from Texas and thinking about moving to Minnesota, you'll have to deal with harsh, cold winters, which can be difficult and scary to drive in if you're not used to it. 

Similarly, if you're someone who loves snow, are you willing to give it up to live in a state that doesn't normally get any?

6. Transportation Options

If you enjoy driving, you might not like living in a city because of all of the traffic. On the flip side, if you're someone who has never driven before, you'll have a hard tie getting around in the suburbs and country. Make sure that the transportation options you'll have available to you in your new home fit with your lifestyle. 

7. Property Type

When moving, you'll have the option of living in a house, condo, townhouse, and apartment. You may also have the option to rent or buy. Make sure that you understand everything that goes into buying a house over renting an apartment. For example, when you own a house, you're responsible for all costs, from fixing a broken furnace to paying for water. In an apartment, you're not.

An apartment might be the better option for you if you want to pay a few hundred dollars less a month and continue to rent instead of getting a mortgage. 

You may choose a house over an apartment if you plan on having a family soon and know that you'll need more space and maybe even a yard. 

8. The People

People and their values differ from city to city and state to state. If you're used to living in a more liberal area like California, you might find living somewhere like Texas difficult if you don't hold the same values and beliefs. 

 Similarly, if you want to live somewhere quiet, you may not want to live in a city like New York and would instead be happier living in the suburbs. 

9. Your Surroundings

If you love the hustle and bustle of the city, then you might not be happy living under the stars in the country, even though the cost of living is much lower. Remember, wherever you move, you might not have the ability to walk down the street for a cup of coffee. Instead, you might have to get in a car and drive to the nearest town. 

Determine what's important to you. If you like having a grocery store across the street, make sure that your new home provides that for you before you sign any lease or agree to buy. 

10. The Employment Opportunities

If you want to be able to find a ton of employment opportunities for a specific field, you'll likely need to live in a city. Before you decide to move or even consider moving, make sure that there are jobs available for you. Do a search for your current job title and the city in which you're considering moving to see if there are any current job postings. If you only find one that seems like you'd be a good fit, you might have a hard time finding a job before or after you move. 

Similarly, if you live in a small town and can't find a career that offers upward mobility, you might consider moving to a more populated area that offers you more options and opportunities to grow in your career. 

11. Distance From Family and Friends

When you move to a new state, you won't get to see your family or friends as often. If you are someone who enjoys being surrounded by your loved ones, moving too far away from them might not be for you. Make sure that you consider having to make new friends as well. No one enjoys spending all of their time alone. 

Final Thoughts

Daydreaming about moving doesn't mean you actually have to start packing your bags and looking for homes. Instead of making any decision, make sure that you weigh the pros and cons of leaving your current home so that you can make the best decision for yourself. You can only truly decide after you've made all of the necessary considerations mentioned above. And if you make that decision to move, buy some new kitchenware and some beautiful flowers to make your next place looking fresh. 

Matt Casadona

Matt Casadona has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. He is currently a contributing editor for 365 Business Tips. Matt is passionate about marketing and business strategy and enjoys the San Diego life, traveling and music. 

Outdated Kitchen Cupboards? Modern Cabinet Styles That Are Both Beautiful and Functional

Many people consider the kitchen the heart of the home, and they want a kitchen with plenty of space, warmth, and style. When it's time for kitchen remodeling, your cabinets will become a topic of conversation. Replacing or altering the cabinets can create an updated look throughout the kitchen at a reasonable price. Here are some modern cabinet styles that are both beautiful and functional.

Stainless Steel

Many people want stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, and stainless steel cabinets can add to the unique aesthetic. Stainless steel provides a durable and easy-to-clean option for kitchen cabinets. They also hold up to heat and water well while maintaining their appearance for years. More and more people see the benefits of this material that was once overlooked for kitchen cabinets.

Stained Wood

Many people don't consider wood modern, but stained woods can better work in your modern design than you might have thought. Wood offers a gorgeous look, and the stain will increase the detail in the wood pattern. To help make the wood fit a modern look, consider going for a black and white motif. You can also add a pop of color, such as red or green, to make things more interesting. Just keep in mind that while wood is solid and strong, it requires a bit of upkeep, especially in the kitchen with a lot of moisture and heat.

Floating Shelves

Modern design lives and breathes with clean lines. You can incorporate clean lines into your design by getting rid of some of the cabinets completely and replacing them with floating shelves.

Floating shelves give you the opportunity to showcase some of your favorite kitchen items. They also cost significantly less than a full cabinet. When used strategically, it can make the space look tidy and more spacious.

Glass Front

Modern designs aspire for a sleek and simple appearance as opposed to bulky, ornate designs. One way to accomplish this is to opt for simple, glass-front cabinets. A black or white border with glass doors is understated and classy while also providing plenty of space for your dishes.

You have a lot of options when it comes to your kitchen remodeling. Many people start with changing the countertops, updating the flooring, or replacing the appliances. However, while these can make a big difference, they can also be expensive. If you want to start with a more affordable option that still makes a big impact, consider updating your outdated kitchen cabinets instead.

An updated, attractive kitchen will make you more comfortable in your home. It can even make your home more appealing to buyers when the time comes. Modern cabinets make a big difference in the kitchen without costing too much. Call your contractor to learn what options you have when it comes to your kitchen cabinets.

Common Signs You May Be a Pack Rat

Saying goodbye is never easy. If you’re a pack rat, then saying goodbye to personal items is even more difficult. The term pack rat describes someone who saves unnecessary objects. Not sure if you’re a pack rat? Explore some of the common signs you may be a pack rat below.  

You Never Donate or Throw Away Clothing

If you struggle to throw away older clothing that doesn’t fit or isn’t fashionable anymore, this is a common sign you may be a pack rat. Clothing is a tell-tale indicator of pack rat behavior because most pack rats hold onto clothing they no longer wear. Most pack rats associate positive memories with clothing and cannot depart with it as a result.

Common Clothing Pack Rats Hold Onto

• Childhood clothing

• High school team or club apparel

• Clothing that no longer fits

• Clothing with rips, tears, and stains

You Hold Onto Appliances That Do Not Work

Another common sign of a pack rat is holding onto electronics or appliances that no longer function. If you know someone with a collection of DVD players, VCRs, CD players, and other older devices, then they are most likely a classic pack rat.

Pack Rats vs. Collectors: What’s the Difference?

While many people collect retro appliances and items, the difference between a collector and a pack rat is that pack rats do not use or display these items. Instead, pack rats hold onto these items even though they’re broken and take up storage space.

You Need Extra Storage Space

Needing extra storage space isn’t always a sure sign that you may be a pack rat. Depending on the size of your residence, many people utilize storage lots as a functional solution to keep items they cannot fit inside their homes. However, if you are constantly searching for more storage space or need additional lots over time, there’s a higher likelihood that you are a pack rat.

You Refuse To Call a Junk Removal Service  

When you’re a pack rat, your items are treasures with personal memories attached to them. Even when these objects begin to take up too much space or affect your productivity, pack rats will often refuse to downsize on their artifacts.

Services such as on-demand junk removal companies are available to simplify this process, but most pack rats will struggle to donate or throw away their items.

When you associate a piece of clothing or appliance with a happy memory, it’s challenging to part with that item. Although it’s comfortable holding onto old treasures, your house can become cluttered with unusable items over time. If you think you have the qualities of a classic pack rat, consider calling a removal service to help downsize your storage.