Around 40 million Americans move homes every year, which highlights the importance of looking for moving tips.

Moving can be stressful so make sure you’re prepared so there are no hiccups during the move. Luckily, once you cover the basics, then you’re good to go. Perhaps you’ve got a move looming and you’re not sure where to start.

Sounds like you? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five tips to help you prepare for a move.

1. Declutter Your Belongings

The first step of moving preparation is decluttering your belongings. Aside from making it easier, you don’t want to pay for packaging, only to find you no longer need half of the books or clothes you’ve packed.

To get started, create three piles: “donate”, “keep”, and “toss”. Go through each room with your household so you don’t accidentally throw away your spouse’s favorite t-shirt or DVD. Then, once you have a hefty “donate” pile, give it to your local charity store or loved ones who are interested.

2. Pack Early

One of the most underrated moving tips is to pack at least a month in advance. Start by packing your off-season belongings and any items you can live without. So, for instance, if you’re moving in summer, then tackle your winter coats, accessories, and snowboards first.

Also, as you get ready to move, you should stock up on packing supplies. Make sure you keep heavy items in small boxes while light items like blankets are best in larger ones. And don’t forget to fill empty gaps with towels as it will stop objects from hitting together during the move.

3. Notify Utility Services

As you prepare to move, it’s important to update your utility companies. These services require a notice period to deactivate and transfer the account to your new home. You should do the same with your gym memberships, retail providers, and government agencies like the DMV.

4. Keep a Moving Folder With You

When preparing to move, homeowners should have a moving folder with them. This should include contracts and paperwork with your new address. Although a digital copy is handy, having a hard version makes it easy to access, especially if you’re worried about running out of charge.

5. Find a Reliable Moving Company (Or Not!)

All moving guides recommend hiring a moving company. This is because companies have a trained team who have the equipment and expertise so you have a smooth moving experience. But if you’re still on the fence about doing a DIY move or hiring a professional, then learn more on this here.

Prepare for a Move Now

Hopefully, after reading this article, you’re ready to prepare for a move.

Start by decluttering your belongings, giving yourself enough time for packing, and notify utility services beforehand. You should also keep a moving folder with you and decide whether or not to hire a professional moving service. Good luck with your new venture!

Found this post helpful? Awesome! Then check out the rest of our blog.

How do you know if you’re drinking enough water?

For starters, you won’t be thirsty all the time. Colorless urine is another sign of good hydration. But if you’re peeing less than 4 times a day, you’re probably dehydrated.

Getting enough water is just the start. You also need to ensure the quality of the water you’re drinking is clear and clean. If you haven’t changed your Frigidaire refrigerator water filter in a while, this article is for you.

This guide will go over the dangers of dirty water filters, along with the best tips for finding the perfect water filter for your home. How can you be sure you’re getting a water filter that’s up for the task? Read on to find out.

Why Replacing Your Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Filter Matters

Before we dive into the different ways to pick the perfect Frigidaire refrigerator water filter, let’s talk about why it matters so much. Your water filter does more than remove heavy metals and chlorine. It’s also going to be taking parasites and bacteria out of the water.

The filter also gets rid of the rust and dust old pipes can collect. How do water filters work?

Frigidaire water filters are going to force the water through activated carbon. The activated carbon then cleans the water using the process called chemical absorption.

You wouldn’t contemplate eating dirty food, would you? Well, your water shouldn’t be any different!

If you want ice-cold freshwater that’s safe, then you need to stay up on your fridge filter maintenance. How can you tell if your refrigerator’s water filter needs a replacement? Look for the warning signs.

Warning Signs With Water Filters

You walk in the kitchen for a fresh glass of water, but what you end up sipping on tastes like plastic. What does it mean? It’s time for a new water filter.

Other signs include a funky smell, lack of water flow, murky watercolor, or black specks in the water. Even if you’re not seeing any of the warning signs, but your filter is over a year old, it’s time for a replacement.

Find the Right Refrigerator Water Filter

How can you find the best water filter for your home? Figuring out the right model is the first step in the decision-making process. You should also consider the type of contaminants that the filter is capable of removing over its lifespan.

Next, look for a filter that’s going to fit your fridge. Fridge filters aren’t universal. You’ll need to exclusively shop for fridge air water filters if that’s the type of refrigerator you have.

One of the best ways to determine if a filter is compatible with your fridge is by removing the old filter and checking the model number. You can also check your refrigerators user manual or visit the manufacturer’s website.

Another option would be to check out the water filters manufacturer’s website. Sites like www.discountfilters.com can also help simplify things.  There you can find a list of different refrigerator brands along with the specific model numbers that fit them.

If you have an older model refrigerator that uses a built-in filtration system, you can still find the perfect replacement. Look for inline systems that will be able to connect the water dispenser’s water supply and your refrigerator.

What Is NSF Testing for Water Filters?

As you begin exploring the different water filters on the market, you’ll see different NSF ratings. NSF is a non-profit organization that certifies consumer products.

It’s the goal of NSF to make sure that high standards are met for quality and safety when it comes to consumer products. One of the areas that they specialize in is the water industry. This includes refrigerator water filters.

NSF uses different classifications to test the water filters to see what they’re capable of. If you see an NSF-42 rating, you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Any water filter that’s worth your money will at least have the NSF 42 certification. The NSF 42 rating means that it can remove impurities like chlorine while also improving the odor and taste.

Does the filter have an NSF 53 rating? This is even better! Filters with the NSF 53 rating will be able to remove even more contaminants that could cause you health problems.

For instance, an NSF 53 rated filter could remove mercury, asbestos, radon, arsenic, and more! Finally, there are also the NSF 401 filters.

If you find a filter with the NSF-401 rating, you’ll be getting the best of the best. You’ll be able to remove contaminants such as prescription medication that could be in the water, pesticides, detergents, herbicides, and more.

Safety Ratings for Water Filters

There are a couple more certification ratings that you should be aware of. These certification ratings will let you know whether or not the filter itself can leak contaminants into the oil.

For instance, if you find a filter with an NSF 372 rating, you can rest assured that the filter isn’t going to leak any type of lead into the water. We also suggest looking for filters that have NSF 61 rating.

The NSF 61 rating covers a broader range of contaminants that the filter won’t leach into the water. Once you are certain you have a filter that is safe to use, you can begin the installation process.

Fast and Easy Installation

Are you nervous about installing your new water filter? Don’t be! A lot of refrigerators have a special compartment inside of them that makes water filter installation quick and easy.

The filter will either plug into a socket or twist into a receptacle. The fast installation makes it easy for users to change their water filter without leaving the fridge open for a long time.

You won’t have to worry about storing your food in a cooler or anything like that. Instead, once you know what to do, you can expect to spend 5 minutes tops installing the new water filter.

Enjoy Drinking Crisp Clean Water

It’s clear to see that finding the right Frigidaire refrigerator water filter can be easy. As long as you purchase the right filter for the make and model of your fridge, you’ll be on the right track. Take things one step further by double-checking the water filter’s NSF rating.

If the filter doesn’t have the right rating, take your business elsewhere! After all, your household deserves the safety and security that a certified water filter brings to the table.

What other ways can you protect your household? Read another one of our blogs to find out.

 

Over 150,000 roofers work year-round making sure that roofs are properly installed and maintained. With that said, roofing in the winter can produce some unique challenges.

So what are some things one needs to know about getting a new roof in the winter? What makes roofing in the winter different from other seasons?

That’s what we’re here to look at today. Read on to find out more about roof repair and installation in the wintertime.

Challenges To Roofing In The Winter

While you can roof a house in the wintertime, there are a few challenges that roofing companies consider each year. Most of it boils down to three elements: snow, temperature, and time.

Snow

Snow might seem like the biggest challenge to roofing in the winter due to how visible it is. However, most snow-related challenges can be overcome by just removing it ahead of time.

Temperature

Something that’s a little harder to deal with in the wintertime for roofing companies is the temperature. Chillier climates can make tools and materials more brittle and harder to work with.

Time

The process of roofing requires time for certain things to settle or melt. With incredibly low temperatures, this could affect how your winter roofing project.

Safety

With those challenges to consider, you have to take safety as the number 1 priority. For starters, if it’s too cold to work on the roof, it’s best not to risk it. It causes slippery surfaces and poor tool performance, as we mentioned.

We also talked about removing snow ahead of time, which we can’t overstate. Doing this correctly and even getting rid of the ice up there is something roofing companies do to make sure no one slips.

Roofers also wear plenty of protective gear when working on winter roof surfaces. Safety nets are installed underneath the roof, while guardrail systems are put in place for emergencies.

They’ll also wear winter jackets, hard hats, work boots, and thick gloves. While these precautions might take more work and time, it’s a crucial part of roofing in the winter.

If you’re looking for a company that makes sure all safety precautions are taken while providing excellent service, Far West roofers are the way to go.

Roofing Materials

We talked about how certain materials might have a tough time setting in the winter. Materials like asphalt are popular choices for many roofs in the U.S. but might have some issues with installation in the winter.

Asphalt is more suited for installation during warm weather. Roofers need to make sure that nothing cracks or bends underneath each asphalt shingle, and extra care is needed to ensure no moisture builds up underneath.

Some materials like metal or cedar shingles won’t have as much issue in a colder climate. These require fewer adhesives that need to be set, making them easy to install in a cold climate.

Roofing In The Winter: All You Need To Know

Roofing in the winter poses some season-specific challenges, but that doesn’t mean roofers don’t take the right precautions to overcome them. Use this guide to help you understand how you can install a roof in the winter.

For more informative articles on roofing and other topics, check out the rest of our site!

 

Although vinyl flooring was invented more than 100 years ago, it started gaining widespread popularity in the 1940s. Wood flooring, on the other hand, dates back to the 1600s!

If you’re moving into a new home or just planning on renovating your current place, what type of flooring do you pick? While wood has the weight of the ages behind it, vinyl has the strength of new technology on its side.

This post will walk you through the vinyl vs wood flooring debate. As you read through, you’ll gain information to help you pick the best floors for your space. Read on!

Vinyl Floors

Vinyl floors begin with layering different materials. Each piece consists of a protective layer, vinyl foam, and felt paper. The multilayer design gives the piece flexibility and strength.

Vinyl is typically easier to maintain than wood floors and it’s certainly cheaper. A drawback of vinyl floors, however, is they lack the long-run durability of hardwoods. Once damaged, they cannot be repaired; you must replace them completely.

There are several types of vinyl flooring to choose from depending on the aim and scope of your project.

Sheet vinyl comes in rolls of up to 12 feet wide. Vinyl tiles function like square tiles to allow for a limitless number of unique designs. Planks look most similar to hardwood floors and can be 100% waterproof.

Wood Floors

One of the best things about hardwood floors is that they never go out of style. The beauty of hardwoods stands the test of time and even adds resale value to your house down the line.

Popular species for wood floors include:

• Oak
• Maple
• Cherry
• Bamboo
• Walnut
• Ash
• Mahogany

Although wood floors tend to last longer, they do need to be refinished every 7 to 10 years. That, plus the upfront cost of the material, make hardwoods a pricier option than vinyl.

What Will Be Best for Your Space?

So, vinyl vs wood flooring. Which will be best for you? It depends on the space and what you need from it.

Do you need flooring for the bathroom or kitchen? Vinyl is a safer bet when it comes to water. If you’re planning to sell the house soon and want a return on your investment, hardwoods would win out.

Then you need to consider the aesthetic appeal. Wood is classic, but vinyl is more customizable and unique.  You can get more info from jorgensenflooring.com about both hardwoods and vinyl flooring.

What’ll It Be? Vinyl Vs Wood Flooring

As you’ve learned more about vinyl vs wood flooring, what will be the winner for your space? As you factor in price, durability, ability to customize, and personal style preference, you’ll find the perfect floors for your space.

You just got the rundown on floors, but don’t stop there. Peruse the rest of our blog today for tips about your home, job, life, and more!

 

Did you know that mosquito-borne diseases are one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide? And despite efforts to keep the population safe, the number of West Nile Virus cases in the continental United States in 2018 was 25% higher than in previous years.

Even if mosquito-borne illnesses are uncommon in your area, protecting yourself is important, especially during warmer months or while traveling.

In this post, you’ll learn how to stop mosquitos at home and some tips for repelling mosquitos no matter where you are, so keep reading!

1. Avoid Stagnant Water

Standing water attracts mosquitos and serves as a breeding ground for them. So, if you want to keep mosquitos breeding on your property to a minimum, you’ll need to drain stagnant water, such as:

• Ponds
• Kiddie pools
• Plates under flowerpots
• Buckets

Even small puddles of water can attract mosquitos, so it’s better to dump any standing water you find in your yard. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about your swimming pool if it’s chlorinated and the filter works properly.

2. Call in the Professionals

If you can’t seem to find the source of your mosquito problem, it’s time to call exterminators. They’ll inspect hidden areas around your home, such as drains and gutters, to determine where mosquitos are breeding.

In addition, landscaping companies, such as RDS Lawn Care can help you design a mosquito-proof yard using plants that repel these pests. Some examples include:

• Basil
• Peppermint
• Lavender
• Sage
• Lemon balm

And, they’ll even return periodically to inspect your yard and apply treatments that repel mosquitos.

3. Use Mosquito Repellent

If you’re traveling or at an outdoor event, wearing mosquito repellent is the best way to avoid getting a mosquito bite.

Lotions and sprays that contain DEET are safe for children and adults, but if you prefer natural mosquito repellent, you can use lemon or eucalyptus oil. Just be sure to reapply the formula every few hours since it’ll eventually wear off.

4. Wear Protective Clothing

Most of us tend to wear shorts or short-sleeve tees in the summer, leaving our arms and legs exposed and vulnerable to mosquitos. So, if you know that you’ll be outside in an area with a lot of mosquitos, be sure to wear lightweight clothes that cover as much of your skin as possible.

Moreover, avoid dark-colored garments since these attract mosquitos. Instead, aim for light shades like pastels or white.

5. Turn on Fans

If you plan on having dinner on the patio, make sure you turn on some fans. Since mosquitos aren’t strong fliers, they’ll be blown away by the wind created by the fan. And, you’ll be able to eat your meal in peace.

Now You Know How to Stop Mosquitos!

After reading this post, you know what attracts mosquitos and five simple steps that will help you prevent them.

So, don’t let mosquitos prevent you from enjoying barbecues and outdoor parties! Instead, apply the tips in this post on how to stop mosquitos once and for all!

And, if you found these mosquito control tips helpful, check out more of our content related to the great outdoors and nature!

 

Did you know that landscaping and lawn treatment is an industry worth more than $100 billion in the United States of America? A big part of becoming a responsible homeowner is learning how to fertilize a lawn and provide the best lawn care for your home’s yard. If you plan on getting that lush and green yard then you need to start fertilizing your lawn sooner than later.

There are a number of important steps that you should take when it comes to using lawn fertilizer. The good news is that you’re in the perfect place to learn more about these steps and how to use grass fertilizer to great success in your yard.

Keep reading this article to learn more today!

Check Soil Temperature

The soil temperature is important to having success with fertilizing your lawn so your best bet is to check the temperature. The ideal temperature for the soil when you start using Lawn Fertilization is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. That temperature is the perfect temperature for getting grass to grow as well as beautiful flowers like lilacs.

You should consider investing in a soil thermometer if you’re worried about getting the soil temperature right before using grass fertilizer.

Know the Right Numbers

The different types of lawn fertilizer will have certain numbers on the packaging that you should be aware of. These numbers are percentages and they represent the content of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium in that particular type of fertilizer.

These are the main nutrients that will help your lawn grow and thrive and you need to know what you’re using if you want to learn the right way to fertilize a lawn.

Use Slow-Release Lawn Fertilizer

Using slow-release lawn fertilizers is a great idea. It allows the nutrients that you’re feeding your lawn to break down over a much longer period of time. You’ll have to use this lawn treatment less frequently since it lasts much longer. For the best results, find slow-release grass fertilizer that contains some amounts of nitrogen.

Using too much nitrogen will cause your grass to grow much quicker which will result in more mowing and manicuring of your lawn.

Use Fertilizer Granules

If you’ve ever seen a professional landscaping and lawn care company fertilize a yard then you probably think that you can throw fertilizer around without a care. In fact, those professionals know how to accommodate the wind and they have the best equipment for fertilizing a yard.

If you’re planning on learning how to fertilize a lawn then you need to use granules with a good spreader. This will ensure good coverage for your lawn when it comes to your lawn treatment.

Now You Know How to Fertilize a Lawn

Learning how to fertilize a lawn is a great first step towards developing a green thumb and a love for gardening and lawn care. Using the right lawn fertilizer and the right lawn care methods will help you to make your lawn the envy of all of your neighbors. Make sure that you get the soil temperature before you start fertilizing your lawn for the best results.

For more helpful articles, check out our blog.

 

If you’re concerned about ensuring that your home living environment is conducive to good health, it is important to be vigilant for common health hazards. One of the most common and persistent health hazards in any home is mold. If you live with mold in your house for a long time, be it ceiling mold or wall mold, the impacts can be severe. Among the many health dangers of living with mold include severe asthma, chest infections, and respiratory issues.

That is why when you see mold on a bathroom ceiling or anywhere else in the home, you need to act fast to remove it. If you’re looking for quick and safe ways to remove mold from painted ceiling areas, or anywhere else, we have got you covered. Read this straightforward guide to mold removal to learn more.

1. Call a Professional

Particularly if you are removing black mold from ceiling fixtures, a home remedy might not cut it. It is often difficult to tell how extensive the mold growth is. If it has grown into the foundations of your home, a DIY cleaning remedy will not cut it. To get peace of mind and remove mold once and for all, call professional Mold Remediation Services immediately. A professional can remove mold anywhere in your home. Even if you are having trouble removing mold from basement ceiling parts, a pro can do it for you. The quicker you call, the less damage there will be.

2. Use Vinegar for Ceiling Mold

Knowing how to remove mold from ceiling or wall areas often means knowing which items in your kitchen can do the trick. One of the most common home remedies is vinegar, which is often acidic enough to kill small mold growths. Vinegar kills around 82% of all mold species, so it will most likely do the trick. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white wine vinegar, apply it to the problem area, and leave for one hour. Come back and wipe it clean with water, and this should do the trick.

3. Use a Hydrogen Peroxide Mixture

Hydrogen Peroxide, a common household chemical, is an extremely powerful antifungal and antibacterial substance. If you have some in your home, you can learn how to remove mold from bathroom ceiling areas in a jiffy. Pour a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Apply liberally to the affected area. Leave for 10 minutes. After this, scrub with all your might until all visible signs of mold are gone.

4. Baking Soda Mold Removal

Baking soda has a huge amount of uses around the home, both for general health and for home maintenance. It should come as little surprise that baking soda is also a killer mold remedy. All you need to do is take a quarter-tablespoon of baking soda and mix well into a spray bottle full of water. After this, spray the affected area heavily. You can start scrubbing to remove the mold right away. Leave to dry on its own then come back and wipe the area down with a damp towel, before wiping it dry.

5. Try Essential Oils

Essential oils are everywhere these days and have no shortage of health and wellbeing benefits. You might not know that your essential oils can also be used to eradicate mold in an instant. The best oil for the job is tea tree oil, so try to use this if you have it on hand. Mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with half a cup of water into a spray bottle. Spray the affected mold area generously. After this, simply leave the area for one hour. Then you can come back and gently wipe the area dry with a fiber towel. Simple.

6. The Lemon Trick

Who doesn’t love a little bit of lemon? Lemon is one of the most effective household cleaning items for just about everything, including mold. To create a mold-killing lemon mixture, you will need three-to-five lemons. Juice these and mix them with a cup of water. Pour the mixture onto the affected area and leave for about five or ten minutes. After this, all you need to do is wipe the surface dry with a towel. You can repeat as needed until the mold has disappeared entirely.

7. Remove and Replace

Sometimes, there are no amount of DIY remedies that will get rid of your mold infestation. If you find that your mold problem has spread deep into your walls, you may need to remove and replace them. If you have mold dry walls, you can simply take the drywall panels out and replace them with new ones. The same goes for most ceiling tiles.

When you remove and replace the affected areas, it is much less likely that the mold will return shortly after. This might not be the most convenient option, but it most certainly yields the most lasting results. If even this method does not work, your only option left is to call a professional mold removal surface quickly.

8. Stay Safe When Removing Mold

When removing mold from your home, it is important to take certain precautions to keep yourself safe. Remember, scrubbing mold will release the particles into the air, increasing the chance that you will inhale them into your lungs. Especially if you are asthmatic or suffer from any kinds of respiratory problems, this needs to be avoided at all costs. Fortunately, a few simple safety tips will keep you totally secure when removing mold, such as:

• Wear a respirator or face mask when removing mold, to prevent the inhalation of toxic spores.
• Use a fresh, clean pair of rubber gloves when removing mold. Always dispose of these securely immediately after use.
• Wear a pair of safety goggles, to prevent mold spores from getting into your eyes.
• Always wash your hands after removing mold, even if you are wearing gloves.
• Air out your home and switch on a fan after removing mold to disperse the particles.

Live Healthier in 2022

Ceiling mold is a persistent home health hazard, but it is easily overcome. We’re here to help you live healthier and enjoy your home in 2022. For more straightforward, practical advice on keeping your home happy nad healthy, make sure to consult our dedicated Home & Garden section for expert insights on the daily.

 

In the global list of countries with the safest drinking water, America ranks top. This, despite a whopping 7.2 million Americans contracting waterborne diseases every year from drinking contaminated water.

Don’t be part of this statistic. There are various ways you can make your water clean and safe to drink. Using water filters and purifiers are the most popular methods. But which of the two is best?

Check out this water filter vs purifier guide to know which is the best option for you:

Water Filter vs Purifier: What Are They?

Not sure which water system to use? Here’s a closer look at each:

Water Filters

Water filters work to eliminate contaminants and sediments from the water. Most filters use carbon media to keep contaminants from flowing out through the outlets. Whether you want to filter your water for recycling or drinking, some of the best places to install your filter include:

• Under the sink
• In your shower
• In the bath-tub
• In your main water line
• On the counter-top

With the best water filter, your water appears clearer, smells fresh, and tastes better.

Water Purifiers

Water purifiers also rid your water of contaminants. They further work to kill invisible organisms and remove harmful minerals from water. A water purifier uses different methods to clean your water. Some purification methods include:

• UV Treatment: Water is exposed to UV energy to kill harmful invisible organisms in the water
• Distillation: Water is heated until all the impurities and organisms are removed, while the resulting steam is cooled, collected, and purified
• Reverse Osmosis: Instead of using a carbon filter to filter impurities in water, this method utilizes a semi-permeable membrane to filter and clean water

Water Filter vs Water Purifier: Which is Better?

It’s a cut-throat competition between water filtering and purifying. Filters and purifiers each come with unique benefits. However, your water cleaning needs will determine which treatment method is best for you.

You will have to understand a few factors. For example, what type of water do you use? Where do you live?

If you live in the country, there’s probably a lot of clean, natural water available. But it may come with a lot of solid particles and sediments. This makes a water filter system ideal for you.

On the other hand, if you live in cities, you may need a purifier to eliminate the harmful bacteria that can contaminate your water. This is mainly owing to issues like main water pipe bursts, leakages, poor sewerage connections, and so on. In this case, purifying your water will get rid of any impurities in your water, both visible and invisible.

Choose the Right Water Treatment System for You

When looking to buy water treatment products, research extensively and ask for advice from experts and friends who have used the products before. The water filter vs purifier guide above should also come in handy. Ensure you drink clean and safe water always!

For more home & living tips, be sure to read our blogs.