Primer Before Paint: Why Is It Necessary

If you are engaged in any DIY project involving would you are going to have to prioritize priming. It makes no difference whether you are using bare, new wood or repainting a piece.

Good Primer Makes a Difference 

It could be said that wood primer is indispensable to a professional painter. It improves the aesthetic appeal of a painted piece. It allows it to glow and brings colors to vibrant life. However, before starting a priming job you need to ensure that surfaces are ready.

It's essential that the wood grain be prepared to hold that paint color - and wood can be a demanding material.

It is a complex and wonderful surface - but it has to be handled with care in order to ensure that the end result really shines. So, if you are embarking on a painting project here are some handy hints to ensure that you have enough primer - and that it is applied in a way that will bring out the beauty of the wood.

1. The Importance of Sanding

It may seem like a waste of time to sand raw wood prior to painting - however, lumber obtained from a stockyard can be coated in a protective glaze. It is essential to remove this glaze in order to ensure that the paint adheres to the surface. Sanding also opens the grain of the wood - which improves adhesion.

2. Make Sure the Knots are Sealed

If there is one thing that can ruin the appearance of a painted wood piece it is the sight of a knot bleeding through the paint. Even multiple coats will not prevent the knot from eventually showing through and ruining the finish of the piece. Make sure to seal knots with primer. 

For those who prefer to work with an oil-based product, spray primer is ideal. Using spray-on primer also avoids messy cleanup. Kilz, a premium oil-based spray application offers a low-odor option. Shellac is also valued for the quickness it dries into an effective seal.

3. Make the Right Choice of base 

The base that you use is vitally important. Your paint advisor should be able to help you select the right base for your choice of color before tinting begins. This base ensures that the color you choose will shine with that perfect hue. 

4. Applying the First Coat of Primer

And then it is on to the star of the show - the primer. Your first coat of primer should be sufficient to cover the entire area of the wood. Avoid thick spots and control dripping. The primer should be applied with clean, even strokes that provide even distribution.

5. The Second Coat 

When you have completed your first coat it may be time for the second. make sure that the first coat is completely dry prior to applying the second coat. Once it has dried apply the second coat using the same method as the first - gentle, clean, and even strokes.

Finally, you are all set to get to the main event, painting - with that perfect primer as the foundation of your further efforts.

Guest Contributor: Arslan Hassan

Tips for Remodeling Your Bathroom or Kitchen

Bathrooms and kitchens are two of the most important rooms in any home. When you get home from a long, exhausting day the two things on your mind are probably a meal and a shower. A nice kitchen and bathroom can make you feel relaxed, happy, and even a bit fancy. You want these rooms to be tasteful, but also functional for you, your family, and guests.

Kitchens and bathrooms have similar aspects, especially when it comes to running water, so remodeling them will have some similar steps and considerations. Any remodeling project is a huge undertaking, so you should always plan ahead before starting.  

When remodeling anything in your house you want to make choices that you will enjoy, but also consider what people are going to want when you sell your home. Updated bathrooms and kitchens are an investment, but homeowners often make back more than half of what they put into the project. Here are some helpful tips that can guide you through beginning your remodel.

Determine a Budget

Any home remodeling project can quickly spiral into a very expensive project, so the very first thing you should do is create a budget. One of the biggest expenses for a project is the cost of labor, so it can be helpful to find a contractor that has fixed prices rather than estimates. The other aspect of remodeling is the cost of materials and depending on what you choose this can skyrocket your expenses.

You’ll want to first determine how much you want to spend on the remodeling project. According to HomeAdvisor the average cost of a kitchen remodel is around $12,500 to $34,962 and the average bathroom remodeling cost is around $6,500. This cost will vary depending on the size and location of your home.

Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the costs can rise before you know it depending on the materials you choose to use. By setting a budget, you can keep costs within a range you are comfortable with. If there is a place you want to spend a little more, such as high-end appliances or countertops, by creating a budget you can do this and then cut costs in another area. 

When creating a budget you want to ask yourself the following questions:

●      Are you going to sell in the next few years?

●      Which aspects are most important to you?

●      Do you want to move anything that would require help from a plumber?

●      How much can you afford to invest?

Choose Long Lasting Materials

Whether you plan to enjoy your remodeled space for two years or ten, you want to make good choices on materials. Kitchens and bathrooms see a lot of use from you and your family, so you need materials that are going to withstand water and wear and tear over the next few years. When you invest a lot of time and money into remodeling a room in your home, part of this is adding value to the house that will make it worth more when it comes time to sell. If you invest a lot into your project but find things need to be replaced a few years down the line, you are wasting money.

The key is to choose materials that are quality above anything else. Of course, you want the aesthetics of your new bathroom or kitchen to be to your taste, but when you are making decisions it is important to consider the longevity of the materials before making any decisions. If you have a countertop that you adore, but the material is low-quality or known for being easily damaged, you may want to opt for a material that looks similar but is more durable.

Make Choices You Can Live With

While it is important to take the potential market value of your home into consideration when making choices about your remodeling project, you still want to make sure that you are going to enjoy the updated room. If you are planning to remain in your home years after remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, you don’t want to make choices that you’ll regret.

While granite countertops may add value to your home, if you hate the way that they look or it isn’t functional for your family, it’s not worth it. Additionally, forcing valuable components into your project could result in the room looking incohesive. Your best bet is to make choices that fit your lifestyle and style first, then take into consideration whether those choices will make good selling points.

After going through all of the work to fix up your bathroom or kitchen, you want to be excited to live with the results, so make choices that will suit you and your family.

Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beach goer operating out of Southern New Jersey.

6 Ways You Can Score A Better Deal When Buying A House

Are you in the market for a new home? If so, you'll want to read this blog post! In it, we will discuss six ways that you can score a better deal when buying a house. Many people think that they have to accept whatever deal is offered to them. This is not the case! By following the tips in this article, you can save yourself a lot of money on your next home purchase.

Finding A Good Lender Can Save You Money

The first step to getting a good deal on a house is to find a good lender. There are many different lenders out there, and they all have different interest rates. You'll want to shop around and compare rates before settling on one. Many people choose to go with the first lender they find, but this is not always the best idea. A good lender can give you advice for first-time buyers and help you save money in the long run. Plus, a good interest rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

Get Pre-Approved For A Loan

The next step is to get pre-approved for a loan. This means that you will have already been approved for a certain amount of money before you start looking for a house. This can be helpful in two ways. First, it will let you know how much house you can afford. Second, it will show sellers that you are serious about buying and that you have the finances to back up your offer. This can often lead to sellers accepting your offer over other offers that may be on the table. This will give you an idea of how much money you can borrow and what interest rate you'll be paying. It's important to remember that getting pre-approved does not mean that you have to take out a loan with that lender. It's just a good way to see what your options are and compare rates.

Look For A House That Is Within Your Budget

Once you know how much money you can borrow, it's time to start looking for houses! It's important to only look at houses that are within your budget. Just because you're approved for a certain loan amount doesn't mean that you should spend that much on a house. You'll want to leave room in your budget for things like furniture, repairs, and other unexpected costs. It's also important to remember that the monthly payment is not the only cost of owning a home. You'll also have to pay property taxes, insurance, and other fees. When you're looking at houses, be sure to keep all of these costs in mind so that you don't end up spending more than you can afford.

Get A Home Inspection

Once you've found a house that you're interested in, it's time to get a home inspection. This is an important step in the process because it will help you identify any potential problems with the house. A home inspector will look for things like water damage, mold, structural issues, and more. If any of these problems are found, you'll be able to negotiate with the seller to have them fixed before you close on the deal. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Look For A House That Needs Work

If you're willing to put in a little elbow grease, you can often find a good deal on a house that needs some work. These houses are often priced lower because they need repairs or updates. However, if you're handy, you can often do these things yourself and save a lot of money. Plus, once you've made the improvements, your home will be worth more than you paid for it. This is a great way to get a good deal on a house and build some equity at the same time.

Don't Be Afraid To Walk Away

If you're not getting the deal you want, don't be afraid to walk away. There are always other houses out there, and if a seller isn't willing to negotiate, you can just move on to the next one. Remember, you're in control of the situation, and you should never feel pressured into buying a house that you're not happy with. By following these tips, you can be sure that you're getting the best possible deal on your next home purchase.

Buying a house is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be a stressful one. By following these tips, you can be sure that you're getting the best possible deal on your new home. Make sure to do your research, shop around for a good loan, and don't be afraid to walk away if you're not getting the deal you want. With a little patience and effort, you can be sure to find the perfect home for you and your family.

Top Ways to Dodge Expensive Plumbing Repairs

Water bills are pretty much unavoidable if you are anything like me. You understand how discouraging it feels to see those figures rise - seemingly powerless to stop it. 

Here are some easy ways to save money on your utility bill by staying on top of your plumbing.

Solid Drains Are Essential

Your plumbing should be robust and straightforward.

Copper is a choice material for pipes, as it is less likely to shatter under pressure. However, PVC is used for a longer-lasting system, as high acidity causes damage and leakage to copper pipes.

When installed correctly, PVC costs much less than copper pipes. Two layers of PVC must be installed throughout the system, including the connecting joints, to ensure the stability of the pipes. 

Prevention is always better than cure. Using proper materials and correct installation can prevent unnecessary problems in the future.

Leaky Pipes? Call A Professional

As someone with a can-do attitude, minor home maintenance is something I do on my own. 

But leaky pipes are well off my repertoire - with memories of my flooded apartment serving as a personal cautionary tale.  

Calling a professional for a thorough inspection, or at least to guide you through what you would need to do, will ultimately save you money and cause far less than coming home and discovering your apartment has become Atlantis. 

Watch Out For Clogged Drains

Knowing how to spot one is crucial to maintain the overall health of your plumbing. 

Noticing whether or not water goes down easily is the first sign of a clogged drain. Keeping it free from hair or food scrap will help pipes from getting clogged. A foul odor is also another tell-tale sign of a troubled plumbing system.

Regular Tune-Ups

Like a car needing tune-ups for a smooth ride, a regular maintenance check on your plumbing system is the best way to guarantee optimal condition. 

A thorough inspection twice a year will help you identify problems and stay on top of them before it snowballs into a major issue. 

Here are some tips to help maintain your plumbing system:

• Deep clean your garbage disposal with baking soda, lemon, vinegar, and hot water to avoid clogging. You can use this method on different drains in your home.

• Hose down your outdoor drains to flush out debris and build-up that may have formed over time.

Play It Safe

Efficiency and savings go hand-in-hand - not just in business but also in home management. 

Similar to building a home, creating a sound structure can guarantee your home and your family's safety.  

Whether a clogged drain or a leaky pipe, staying on top of your household offers homeowners peace of mind and prevents costly repairs. 

If your plumbing is prone to breakdowns, monitoring it using technology is the best way to go. 

Here are some tips that can help:

• Invest in a smoke-gas detector. Thanks to technology, smoke detectors can now read high levels of toxic gas. Methane, carbon dioxide, and ammonia - to name a few - are found in sewer gas.

Though harmless in small amounts, these are components of high toxicity gas. Possibly even flammable!

• Use an indoor or outdoor thermometer when monitoring your heating system. Check your ventilation system and air conditioning to prevent inconvenience and malfunctions. 

• Keep non-water-resistant surfaces dry to prevent molds.

There's a sense of pride held when you know you run a smooth ship. But like every ship, a captain needs its crew - a crew of professionals to expertly navigate the waters in the direction of where you, the captain, would like to take it. 

There are several ways to save money on costly problems. My go-to plumbers in San Francisco offer assistance on issues like backflow prevention, dripping faucets, and state-of-the-art device recommendations. From maintaining pipes to the overall plumbing in your home.

Bay Area Roto Rooter has got you covered!

How To Cope Up With Unexpected Home Repairs

Home repairs can be challenging and expensive, especially if it occurs out of the blue. However, it doesn’t spell the end of the world for you. So long as you know how to deal with unexpected renovations, you’ll get over the hurdle. Here are some tips to help you cope with it: 

Prepare an Emergency Stash

One of the most foolproof ways of dealing with unexpected home repairs is having an emergency fund. It can be from your main emergency stash or a separate one you created solely for rainy day leaks. This may serve difficult, especially if your income is low and you’re trying to budget. 

However, your house emergency stash doesn’t have to be big from the get-go. You could put aside a little bit of your monthly income, like excess money from lunch you won’t allocate anywhere else. What’s important is that you’re topping up an account you can use as a safety net in case anything happens. If you have the means, aim for $3000-$5000 yearly so you can eventually afford sudden expensive home repairs.

Learn About DIY Repairs

You don’t always have to spend much moolah when coping with unexpected home repairs. Of course, you’re obligated to call a handyman if the project is way out of your league. However, there are times when all you need is a few bucks to buy materials for a quick fix.

For instance, you can rely on the Internet for how-to guides on DIY appliance restoration. You can also learn how to replace a centerset faucet or regrout tiles on your own. In fact, there are plenty of detailed video tutorials helpful for mending minor damages by yourself. This is way cheaper so long as you’ve judged the task as something you can do without professional help.

Get Different Repair Quotes

Yet another way to cope with unexpected home repairs is by approaching them logically. Often, people would immediately call the nearest handyman without much thought to address the damage. However, it’s ideal to take a step back and get different repair quotes to get the best deal in the market. 

Companies offer different prices for their services, even for the simplest and most common plumbing emergencies. Some may require you to pay extra emergency call-out fees and demand overall higher rates. You may want to avoid this, especially if the repair is not urgent or dangerous. Instead, take your time to bag the most economical but quality restoration possible.

Rely on Home Insurance

On the chance that your house has been damaged by natural events or major perils, you can rely on home insurance. For reference, home insurance is a type of indemnity that can help you cover losses and damages. If you’ve dealt with a mortgage lender, it’s one of the requirements needed to secure your property.

It may take time to claim and process this, but it’s a big help for property and personal damage liability. For instance, it can shoulder the costs of repairs caused by riots, theft, storms, and even volcanic eruptions. Some insurance policies also cover your added living expenses in case your home is inhabitable for the time being.

Check Out Your Home Warranty

If you’re thorough with the details, you may have availed both homeowners warranty and insurance. This is recommended since the latter can only cover costs caused by accidents, natural disasters, or major events like theft and burglary. Meanwhile, a home warranty can help you with appliance repairs and house systems expenses. 

More often than not, this type of warranty is included in a home-buying contract. It’s an effective safety net in case any of your household devices require restoration or replacement. There’s a catch, though - home warranties have coverage limits, usually up to $1,500 annually for each registered appliance. Generally, you get a total claim limit of about $15,000 per year. 

Consider Getting Loans

If you’re unable to avail the offers of an insurance or warranty company, you could try getting loans instead. This can also be your option if you don’t have any extra funds saved up for sudden home repairs. However, note that acquiring loans means that you’re taking in more debt. As such, you should think thrice before borrowing money since it has extra interest rates. 

If you’ve decided about getting loans, be aware that there are different varieties. For instance, you can avail of a home equity line of credit (HELOC) which depends on how high your property’s credit and market value are. You also have the personal loan option to pay for unexpected home renovations.

Schedule Regular Maintenance and Inspection

The best way to cope with unexpected home repairs is to prevent the majority of them. You can do this by doing regular maintenance and by looking out for home damage warning signs. This will save you from stress and a sudden strain on expenses. 

For instance, work on a remedy immediately if you notice a huge chunk of your wall paint peeling. Similarly, you can avoid extreme damage to your roofing by being vigilant of leaks. Simply put, watch out for minor problems and take action to prevent them from worsening. Don’t forget always to inspect the property to get a clear idea of the house’s issues.

Final Words 

Unexpected home repairs can catch you off guard. However, you won’t have to be stressed as much if you have everything ready. If you don’t have the privilege to save for future damages, you can rely on DIY reconstruction or get a loan instead. Many options are available, so choose the ideal route possible. 

Guest Contributor: Sophia Young

7 cute bedroom decor ideas for your daughter

When it comes to decorating a bedroom for your daughter, it can be so much fun. There are endless possibilities when it comes to colours, themes and accessories. If you are looking for some inspiration, we have compiled a list of 7 cute bedroom ideas for your little girl. From shabby chic to glamorous, there's something for everyone.

Create a reading nook

If you want to create a special space for your daughter to read in, why not create a reading nook? This can be as simple as adding a few pillows and blankets to a corner of her bedroom, or you could go all out and create a miniature library complete with a comfy chair and desk. Either way, your daughter will love having her own special place to relax and read.

Introduce timeless, rustic elements

Adding timeless, rustic elements to your daughter's bedroom can make it cozier and inviting. A few simple ideas include using wooden furniture, adding some wrought iron details, or hanging a few rustic baskets or shelves. This type of decor is perfect for kids' bedrooms as it will never go out of style and is very easy to care for.

Create a Princess Room

If your daughter enjoys everything princess and girly-related, then a Princess Room would be the perfect addition to her life. You can paint the walls pink, add frilly curtains and decorative ruffles, and even put some fresh flowers around the room. You could also include a canopy bed, dressing table and chaise longue. If your daughter loves being a princess, she will adore spending time in her own Princess Room.

Create a Glamorous Bedroom

Why not give your kid's bedroom a glamorous makeover if she loves all things glitzy and girly? This could involve using lots of pastel colours, adding lots of mirrors and sparkly details, or even including a chaise longue or vanity table. If you want to go all out, you could even install chandeliers and other elaborate light fixtures. Your daughter will feel like a true princess when she spends time in her glamorous bedroom.

Monochrome designs

Many parents are opting for a monochrome design for their daughter's bedroom. This involves using only two colours, typically black and white, but can also be used with other muted shades. There are many benefits to using this type of design in a child's bedroom. Firstly, it is very easy to coordinate, mix, and match different pieces of furniture and accessories.

Secondly, it is very timeless and will never go out of style. Finally, it is perfect for kids as it is very easy to keep clean. If you are considering a monochrome design for your daughter's bedroom, you should keep a few things in mind. Firstly, using different textures to add interest to the room is important. Secondly, you should use bright and bold accent colours to break up the black and white palette. Finally, you should make sure that all of the furniture and accessories in the room are either black or white, otherwise, the space can become too cluttered.

Go with a Sporty Theme

If your daughter is athletic, consider a sporty theme for her bedroom. You could paint the walls bright colours, add sports equipment like bats and balls or even hang posters of her favourite athletes. If you're going to go for a lot of posters, make sure they're covered and framed properly so they can last longer. An attractive wall poster frame can go a long way for anything you want to hang on a wall. If you want to take it one step further, you could even get her a bunk bed with a built-in basketball hoop! This theme is perfect for kids who love being active and staying active.

Choose an Earthy Theme

An earthy theme would be a good match if your daughter loves nature and the outdoors. This could involve using natural materials like wood and stone, adding plants or flowers to the room, or even including wall hangings with pictures of trees or animals. If you want to take it one step further, you could even use earthy colours like green or brown. This theme makes your daughter feel like she's sleeping in the nature.

Choose a cute chandelier for your kids

Purchasing a children's chandelier allows you to experience the kind of a chandelier that is whimsical, sillier, and brighter than most people consider appropriate for an adult's space. A kids chandelier, like other chandeliers, should be made of good quality materials and functional, but it should also be free of dangerous pieces that children could fall or grab. When selecting a kids chandelier, consider how the chandelier will look in the space as well as how the child will like the lighting as he or she grows older. Otherwise, selecting a kids chandelier is a completely unrestricted opportunity to enjoy colorful and adorable designs.

Conclusion

Your daughter's bedroom should be a reflection of her personality and interests. By taking the time to plan and decorate her space, you can create a room that she will love spending time in. With a little bit of creativity, you can easily turn her bedroom into a space that is both stylish and functional.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on decorating your daughter's bedroom. There are endless possibilities, and the sky is the limit when it comes to design. Just have fun and let your imagination run wild.

Guest Contributor: Frank Robertson

5 Easy Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Your indoor air quality can become poor and become a hazard to your health. This is especially true if you live in a city or near busy roads or factories. Thankfully, you can take steps to improve indoor air quality and protect your family's health. Here are five easy steps to take to ensure good indoor air quality.

1. Clean Regularly

You can take some simple steps to improve the air quality in your home. Clean regularly, remove dust and dirt from surfaces, use air filters and humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed, and keep windows open when possible. Use fans to circulate the air in each room of the house. Wash bedding and drapes regularly, vacuum with a HEPA vacuum cleaner, and clean pet cages frequently to reduce dust mites. Suppose you have been diagnosed with asthma or allergies. In that case, it is important to consult with your doctor before making any changes that affect your respiratory system, such as increased humidity levels through humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or changing airflow patterns in the home.

2. Maintain your HVAC system

Your HVAC system is an important part of maintaining good indoor air quality. By keeping it clean and properly maintained, you can reduce the number of allergens and irritants that are circulated through your home.

Change the filter regularly to keep dust and other particles from circulating throughout your home. You may need to change it more often depending on how much dust is generated by your pets or kids playing outside.

Get your system serviced at least once a year by a professional who knows how to find leaks in ducts or refrigerant lines and other problems that might be causing odors or poor airflow circulation. If possible, try to schedule this when you aren't using AC because there might be an issue with one unit not working properly if several units are operating simultaneously.

3. Maintain Your Furnace

There are several easy ways to improve indoor air quality. One of the most effective is to use your home furnace regularly and ensure that it's operating properly. When it comes to furnaces, size does matter. Keep in mind that larger homes require larger furnaces. Be sure to purchase a high-quality filter for your furnace, one that will maximize airflow while minimizing dust particles and other pollutants in your home.

Another way to maintain your furnace and air quality is through filters. According to Furnace Price’s best furnace in Canada guide, “air filtration add-ons are a great way to improve the function and performance of your furnace while also improving indoor air quality.” Filters will help reduce the amount of dust and contaminants that end up in the heating system. Make sure to

clean or replace your filter once every month or more often if you have pets in the home, In addition, keep an eye out for any signs of damage or wear. These can indicate problems with the burners themselves. Finally, pay attention when buying new furnaces. Many companies offer discounts if you buy them in bulk packs instead of individually wrapped units, which may not be worth looking into.

4. Open Your Windows

 The best way to improve indoor air quality is by bringing fresh, outside air. Open all the windows in your home and let them remain open until they cool down at night. This will also allow you to get some exercise as you work to clean up around the house.

While opening your windows, be sure they are shut during the day when pollen counts are high. If you have pets and young children who spend most of their time indoors during the day, close all of your windows until the evening so that they don't breathe in too much dust or other allergens while they're asleep.

5. Replace Air Filters

It's great to have air filters in your home. However, they won't do you any good unless you clean them as regularly as possible. They're easy to clean, so you don't need an expert to help you with the work. Also, you can ask a family member or a loved one to help you clean the air filters if you have a tight schedule.

Conclusion

With these tips, you should be able to improve the quality of air in your home. Remember that it's important to be proactive with these measures so that you don't have an unhealthy living space. Indoor air quality can be improved by taking steps like improving your HVAC system, cleaning regularly and properly, using a home furnace, and opening windows when needed.

Guest Contributor: Sierra Powell

The Home Improvement Industry is Changing in 2022

attribution: https://www.angi.com/

original post: Home Improvement Industry Statistics

What Should You Change And Do Right After Moving In

There's so much to do during a relocation, and rarely enough time — but hiring professional movers to manage your boxes will give you precious extra hours to get some things done around the house. Knowing the best ways to spend your time can help make your first few weeks in your new home less stressful.

1. Remove and Change Window Treatments

It’s very likely that the previous owners or occupants of your home left their window treatments in place when they left. While it's convenient to have window treatments when you move in, don't keep them for longer than a few weeks.

Window treatments that haven't been cleaned regularly can harbor dust mites and other allergens. For a good start in your new home, replace the window treatments as soon as it's realistic. You'd be amazed how different the rooms can look with new window treatments, and you'll feel better when you start every day with a fresh new look that you picked yourself.

2. Paint

A fresh coat of paint brightens every room, and makes your home look cleaner, newer and more well-maintained. Some tips:

• Neutral colors for common spaces, colors you love for personal spaces: Neutral colors are easy on the eyes and good for staging. They're also easy to coordinate with furnishings. Paint these colors in spaces such as the living room, dining room and areas where you receive guests. Save your favorite colors (especially bold, vivid hues) for your bedroom and other personal spaces.

• Use samples to choose which shades: Don't rely on swatches alone. Paint large samples on your walls and wait for the paint to dry before selecting a paint color.

• Paint before moving in: It's so much easier and faster to paint when your house is empty. Coordinate with your movers to find out when your things will be delivered and make arrangements to paint in advance. Leave enough time for the paint to dry.

3. Clean

Take time to clean spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, refrigerator, stove, floors, windows and more. Like painting, this is easiest to do before the movers arrive with your things.

• Deep clean any surfaces that will be touched by food. Use antibacterial kitchen cleaners.

• Disinfect all bathroom surfaces. Use bleach whenever it's safe for the surface being cleaned. Not all surfaces should be cleaned by bleach, so read the directions on the cleaning label before using any cleaners.

4. Change Your Locks

You have no way of knowing who has keys to the locks in your new home. The best way to safeguard your house (and the people and objects in it) is to change the locks to any exterior doors and your garage. Hire a professional locksmith to get the work done correctly and efficiently.

5. Explore Your Home

There are many things you should know about your new home. Where is the electrical panel? The gas shutoff and water shutoff? How do you control the in-ground sprinklers? Where is the HVAC air filter, and has it been changed recently? Spend time exploring your new home and the various systems in it. If you live in an apartment building, know where the fire escapes are.

6. Unpack Essentials

Once the boxes have been moved in, it's time to unpack, starting with essentials first. Some examples of essential goods:

• Sheets, blankets and pillowcases for the beds

• Clothes, shoes, coats and hats you're wearing this season

• School supplies for the kids

• Toys and entertainment for your children

• Pet supplies such as a food dish and leash

• Plates, pots, pans and silverware

• Light bulbs, batteries and flashlights

• Tools

• Bath towels, wash cloths and dish towels

7. Buy Groceries

 A lot of people live on takeout while they're packing up to move. By the time you reach your new abode, you're probably ready to eat some home-cooked meals. Buy groceries to stock your refrigerator. Plan to keep meals simple at first, to reduce stress and keep your kitchen clean-up to a minimum.

As long as you're buying food for meals, this is a good time to stock up on easy to eat snacks to consume while unpacking. Nuts, carrot sticks and string cheese are all good foods to eat while you're unpacking in your new home.

Be Patient

You probably wish you could get everything done the minute you take possession of your new house, but moving takes time. Be patient. Give yourself time to get everything done. Make a list of what needs to be done, order the items by priority, then make a schedule for getting the work done. Even if you can't accomplish all these tasks at once, you'll feel better knowing you have a plan.

Author bio: Kelli Warren is a co-owner of Moving Proz, a moving company in Kansas City and Denver. She has over five years of experience within the moving and transportation industry and loves to help provide a great moving experience for clients no matter what their moving situation may be.

PRUNING HOME GROWN PLANTS FOR MAXIMUM YIELD

Pruning a plant is one of the easiest ways to maximize its yield. Pruning not only increases the number of flowers, but also improves compound distribution within the plant. For instance, in certain mitragyna plants,these compounds are beneficial to produce green kali kratom pills. The tiny buds that form at the bottom of the plant aren't useful because they consume energy. Beginners should leave the large fan leaves in place. These leaves are essential for cannabis plants, especially those that are just starting out. However, beginners should be careful when pruning their plants. Beginners should never prune away their plants' large fan leaves.

Fimming

The best way to increase the yield of your cannabis plants is to know how to prune them correctly. If you prune the plants improperly, you can eliminate much of the potential product. Here are some tips that will help you prune your plants for maximum yield:

Remove large branches first. Then, check the lower half to remove any branches that shield the bud site from sunlight. If the branches are too wide, cut them off at the base. Trim smaller branches later. Always check the canopy branches and lower half for unnecessary branches. Afterward, prune the remaining branches to produce the highest yield. But remember to trim the branches at the base, as this will result in weaker yield.

Missouri pruning

Pruning tomatoes is an essential part of tomato production, but how do you do it safely? Pruning in Missouri involves pinching off the top of the sucker, leaving two leaves on the main stem. This reduces the shock to the plant and allows it to continue producing fruit. It's also beneficial for preserving sunlight-scorched fruit. In Missouri, you should prune a sucker at the end of the season, before the fruit has set.

In Missouri, the pruning method involves pinching off the tip of a sucker, leaving one or two leaflets. You should continue pruning until the plant reaches an approximate height of 18 inches. In Missouri, this method will allow your plant to produce leafy foliage and protect the developing fruit from sun-scald. This type of pruning is most effective for warmer climates. If you'd like to learn more about pruning tomatoes, read on!

Screen of green

When pruning for yield, using the screen of green technique is an effective way to prune for optimum plant health and maximum crop production. A screen of green places the largest branch of a plant above the rest of the canopy. This directs plant energy into growing the topmost branches, which will produce the highest quality buds. As the plant's canopy grows, the branches below the screen are shaded and produce no buds. By pruning these branches, you allow the plant to focus its energy in growing the topmost branches of the canopy.

When pruning for maximum yield, using a Screen of Green can improve your crop's overall yield by 20% or more. You can use it on several plants, but the maximum size is 11 liters per square meter. Building the screen yourself requires some DIY skills. It will require a sturdy frame, rectangular or square, and connector joints. The resulting structure is an attractive and functional structure for your plants.

Toppling

There are two main types of pruning: topping and regular pruning. Topping is the simplest and most common form of pruning. Topping essentially doubles the number of bud sites with each prune. It allows the plant to access more light. On the other hand, this method has its disadvantages. In addition to adding time to the vegetative stage, topping can also increase the risk of disease. To maximize yield, you should always top the plants only once they reach a certain height.

If you're growing marijuana indoors, you'll probably encounter vertical and horizontal limitations that are difficult to remedy with pruning. Outdoors, however, you'll have more room to grow. Bigger plants are easier to harvest. But they could also become towering, which can be a recipe for disaster. Top pruning enables you to increase yield by removing the tallest branches from your plants.