With finite space and what seems to be an ever-growing litany of stuff, it can be a constant challenge to not feel cramped in a small space. Now that we our finding ourselves spending more time at home, you may be wondering – how can I create more space?

Declutter and Donate or Sell

When you have a lot of stuff it’s easy to get lost in the clutter, and many ways become immune to it. As we’ve touched on in previous blogs (Spring Cleaning and Beginner’s Guide to Minimalism), one of the simplest ways to increase space is to simply get rid of stuff! Now is the perfect time to review items you haven’t used in a while. If you’re finding it hard to get started, give yourself a short time limit per day and try to get as much done as possible within this limit. If you live with others – make it a competition. Create donate/sell piles, and separate items as you go, use extra cash to buy yourself something or something your household will use.

Make Storage Efficient

When you have very little storage or very little space or both, the key to creating space is learning how to be efficient with your space. Of course there’s many different ways and tools you can organize but the key when choosing an efficient organization, a storage option that it is easily accessible and that makes the stored item visible. This way you know what items you have and ensure you are using these items before repurchasing similar/ duplicate or unused items.

Think Beyond the Space

If you’re like me, you might in addition to having a small space, have very little closet space. So once you’ve optimized your space until maximum capacity – the next step is finding additional storage. Of course there’s ottomans, cube storage or bookshelves as an options – but one that’s not as obvious is identifying and repurposing unused and wasted space. This isn’t something done overnight but is something that is improved over time and will take a bit of ingenuity. Check out some of these creative ways people have repurposed various spaces in their homes below.

Lastly, if you don’t have it fake it. Part of what creates the feeling of space is our perception. So using simple illusions within your home can help you create the perception of space without actually having any extra square footage. 3 helpful rules that you can use to help you “create space”:

• White or light: Switch wall paint colors and drapery to either a light color or white. This will allow additional light to bounce off, which will make the room feel more expansive. One way to amplify this illusion is improving the lighting in the room, adding a window or switching out opaque/heavy drapes for something that allows light to come through.
• Tall and away from the wall: Don’t push your furniture against the walls! While this may seem counterintuitive with a smaller space, when furniture is pushed against the wall, our brain interprets these items as boundaries. In contrast, pulling furniture away from walls creates space between the furniture and the wall, helping to trick the eye. Additionally by purchasing longer drapes and placing above their typical placement you can create an illusion of increased room length, further helping to blur the room boundaries.
• Proportion and place for space: Remember that the proportion and place also contribute to how much space is in your room! So if you’re still feeling a little claustrophobic, consider the items in the room. Bulky furniture items can make your room feel small and more closed in. Not to mention, having too many items in a small room can also make it feel cramped. Outside of removing furniture, you can also try repositioning furniture. Many times, we add additional furniture and decor pieces with our existing items as they are purchased, so taking the items out and replacing them can help to provide a new perspective on how your furniture can be better placed to give you more space!

As we begin a new year, and we push ourselves to be better students, parents, friends, and overall more improved versions of ourselves – it’s a great time to think about how we can improve ourselves as homeowners. Like many things in our lives, as we get busy we find ourselves neglecting, or simply not maximizing our space. Since we are spending more time than ever at home, it’s a great time to improve your environment to help your well-being in the new year. Here are a few resolutions to get you started:

Add Life to Your Space

When we say to maximize a space, it often gives the connotation of just adding more stuff – however truly maximizing a space is making a space useful and helpful for your life. Our homes obviously have many purposes – to play, to work, to gather, but one of their most important purposes should be to relax and improve your well-being.

A great way to change your space to help you relax is to add some green to your space. Many studies have concluded that there are health and mental benefits to being around plants and nature. In fact, one study found that keeping ornamental plants in the home and in the workplace has been found to increase both memory retention and concentration. The calming influence of natural environments is conducive to positive work environments by increasing a person’s ability to concentrate on the task at hand. Work performed under the natural influence of ornamental plants is normally of higher quality and completed with a much higher accuracy rate than work done in environments devoid of nature. Going outside or being under the influence of plants can increase memory retention up to twenty percent, a recent University of Michigan study showed” (Sewach). The effect of nature in the home and in the workplace serves to stimulate both the senses and the mind, improving mental cognition and performance. (Bisco Werner 1996; Brethour 2007; Frank 2003; Pohmer 2008; Serwach 2008; Shibata, 2001, 2004; Yannick 2009)

Donate Unneeded Items

A common belief amongst those who hold onto items is that they don’t want an item to go to waste, particularly if they feel they could use them in the future. However, an excellent solution is to donate.

Beyond having a cleaner, less cluttered space, donating and giving back to others also can help to improve your mental health and well-being. Studies show that any act of altruism is connected to positive physical and mental effects. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this includes lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, less incidence of depression, lower stress levels, and even longer life and greater happiness (Talk Space 2020). If you have items to donate, check out this list of charities that have free donation pick-up.

Plan a Renovation Project

Wanting to spruce up your home? While you likely are waiting for warm weather to get started, it’s a great time to start planning your renovation project now. Planning early can help minimize measurement errors, and allow you to compare pricing and maximize sale opportunities. For instance, President’s Day and the weekends leading up to it, often have deals on appliances, mattresses, and other home goods. If you are considering selling in the next year, also reach out to your real estate agent as they may have some good tips on what buyers are looking for in a home like yours.

Doing That Chore

We all have one – a chore that’s been waiting for us to complete. The one that we’d rather sit through a reading of the encyclopedia instead of completing. Well this will be the year! Identify the chore, make a plan with incremental steps for completion and put time-blocks on your calendar OR delegate this task to a professional.

Touch base with Loan Officer

Last but not least, with changing interest rates – take time to review if refinancing would be a good option for you. Refinancing is not always the best scenario for every homeowner, however, it can provide an opportunity to lower your mortgage payment, improve terms such as the removal of private mortgage insurance, or switch from an adjustable to a fixed-rate mortgage. Whether or not refinancing is a good option for you, will depend on your unique situation – creditworthiness, current mortgage balance, starting mortgage terms, and interest rates. So it’s best to review these options with a trusted mortgage loan professional to determine if refinancing makes sense for your situation.

Sources:

“Health and Well-being – the Benefits of Plants”, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
“Giving Back Mental Health Impact”, TalkSpace 2019
“What to Buy Every Month of the Year”, NerdWallet 2021
“Furniture Donation Pick Up: 8 Charities that Pick Up Your Stuff for Free”, MyMove 2021

By Lilly Woodard

With the holidays right around the corner, you may face the challenge of getting your home ready for your friends and family. While getting your home ready for guests can be daunting, we’ve pulled together a list of tips to help you get your home ready for the upcoming holidays.

Cleaning

Obviously, cleaning is the common thing to think of when preparing your home for guests. It can definitely be intimidating, especially with everything that needs to be done in time for your guests. So, what are the most important things to clean if you’re on a time crunch?

The floors! Make sure to pick up any loose items so no one trips or happens to break anything. You’ll also want to vacuum, especially if you have pets because that hair can get everywhere.

Wash blankets, sheets, or any covers guests may use. Even if your guests are staying for only a few hours, everyone likes a freshly clean blanket when they sit around with family.

Clear away leaves and debris outside. We don’t want anyone to get injured before the party starts! Additionally, if snow and ice are predicted, spreading salt is a good idea.

Preparing Guest Rooms

While some of the preparation of the guestrooms involves cleaning, there can be a bit more to it. Many times, our guests’ rooms can also become storage rooms…so decluttering and putting things away are the perfect places to start. And once you have the sheets washed, you’re set!

Of course, you can always go above and beyond for your guests. Providing a caddy of “may-needs” is nice. Good options include a charger, toothpaste, a nightlight, and other toiletries.

The Bathrooms

The cleaning step also includes the bathroom, but it doesn’t hurt to touch on it more! Clean the toilets and make sure the necessities are stocked. Is there enough toilet paper? How about towels for your guests? Shampoo and conditioner? Soap that isn’t on its last leg? Is there a trash bag in the trash can?

Of course, a cute little decoration for the counter is a nice touch, too. 

Food and The Kitchen

It’s bound to be a crazy day with family, friends, presents, food, and more. Likely, there will be a celebratory dinner that can take a while to prepare. Most people begin prepping in advance, which is the smart decision. But to keep hands out of your not-yet-ready dishes and fewer bodies in your way, have some snack food out and presented to keep everyone held over until the meal is served.

Cheese and crackers, chips and queso, pretzels, and chocolates are always a big hit in my house!

Make sure your guests are comfortable and well-fed but don’t forget about your own comfort in the process. These times are about harmony and enjoying the time we have with our friends and family. Take care of yourself as well to ensure you can enjoy this time with the people you care about!

Happy holidays!

Sources:

https://www.thecleaningauthority.com/blog/home-life/5-tips-for-preparing-your-home-for-the-holidays/

https://homewarranty.firstam.com/blog/how-to-prep-home-holiday-guests

https://sarah-tucker.com/how-to-prepare-for-holiday-guests-20-tips-for-overnight-hosting/

https://www.marthastewart.com/holiday-cleaning-checklist-8403906 

Should You Rent Your Home Out On Airbnb?

Do you have a spare room or an empty floor on your house? Well, perhaps you have thought about renting this space out on Airbnb or a similar service. It seems like a no brainer as you basically get paid for others to house sit for you. However, this isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. From legal issues to regional factors there are a lot of components that go into renting out a property. Before you roll out that welcome mat, keep the following things in mind.

The first and probably most important issue to iron out is whether you legally can host a short-term rental at the desired property. States, cities, townships, and even HOA’s can all have their own restrictions when it comes to rentals. With the widespread success of Airbnb, more and more communities are concerned about the effect it will have in high traffic areas where affordable housing is already in high demand.

In Centerville for instance, short term rentals are treated and inspected the same as other rental units, while some cities like Yellow Springs recently passed legislation to heavily regulate the use of short terms rentals, and Oakwood made the somewhat controversial decision to ban these properties. It is essential you do your research on the area and what rules apply to your residence. Airbnb does have an online tool to check for issues such as these, you can also look up your cities municipal code at municode.com. The type of home and length of stay you offer are also possible factors.

It should be noted that even if a rental is allowed, it is likely going to affect your taxes. In Ohio, rentals offering accommodation for fewer than 30 days with ­­­“establishments with five or more sleeping rooms” are subject to state sales tax. However local lodging taxes can differ from city to city. Deductions may also be available. Tax time is a maze that catches many of us off guard, so it is wise to consult a professional before this undertaking.

Okay, so you’ve done your due diligence and your area is zoned for a lodgings such as yours, so you’re all ready to rent it out, right? Well, have you talked to your neighbors yet? If your neighbors aren’t aware of your new arrangement, they might be a bit startled by a changing stream of strangers lodging right next to them. To keep the peace with the Smiths next door, Airbnb Superhosts (someone with 80% five-star reviews) recommend reaching out to your neighbors early on and letting them know your plans to avoid drama later.

Location, location, location! While you may find that your neighborhood is zoned for short term rentals, you want to take into account other market factors. Such as, what are other homes in your area valued at? How much does a hotel near you charge daily? You don’t want to charge too high and price yourself out of the market. At the same time, you don’t want the rental fee to be too low that you’re losing more funds that you’re taking in.

Also think about the type of host you want to be. Are you planning to be living in the home when the visitors come to stay? Will you be out of town periodically? Airbnb users can run the gamut of people looking for a place to stay with minimal interaction with their hosts. While some want the full traditional traveler experience complete with dinners and stories. Neither style is wrong, but you want to set the expectations ahead of time. Keep in mind that as a host, you are responsible for everything from communication lines, toiletries, general cleanliness, even to first aid kits and safety instructions. You can set the tone in your properties listing description under “House Rules”.

As you can see, becoming a host is more than just downloading the Airbnb app and taking a few pictures of your home. It’s definitely not a lifestyle for everyone. However, it wouldn’t be catching on so much if it didn’t have its own appeal. Many users have found it to be a great source of income even supplementing the cost of a car or their home. Other superhosts talk of all the great people they have met from different walks of life. Once you take into account all these factors, you can determine whether the Airbnb life is right for you!

Sources:

https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local-govt–politics/dayton-mayor-opposes-oakwood-ban-short-term-rentals-airbnbs/Lvi3IQMol7OxknUjlYX1fL/

https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local-govt–politics/local-cities-wrestle-with-growing-short-term-rental-industry/gi8zIM3Q8XMq9QUbZ5UxiI/

https://library.municode.com/oh

https://www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/resources/vacation-rental-tax-guides/ohio.html #:~:text=What is the definition of,or located in different structures.

The Importance of Home Maintenance: Why Regular Upkeep is Essential

Home maintenance is an essential part of owning a property. Regular upkeep can help prevent expensive repairs, ensure the safety of your family, and increase the value of your home. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of home maintenance and why regular upkeep is essential.

Prevent Expensive Repairs

Regular maintenance can help prevent expensive repairs down the line. Neglecting minor issues can lead to more significant problems and ultimately, higher repair costs. For example, a small leak in the roof can lead to water damage, mold growth, and structural issues. By catching and addressing the issue early on, homeowners can save themselves the cost and hassle of extensive repairs.

Ensure Safety

Regular home maintenance can also help ensure the safety of your family. Faulty electrical wiring, gas leaks, and other hazards can put your family at risk. Regular inspections of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems can help identify potential safety hazards and address them before they become a problem.

Increase Home Value

Proper home maintenance can increase the value of your property. Well-maintained homes tend to sell for a higher price than homes that have been neglected. Simple improvements like fresh paint, updated fixtures, and landscaping can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Extend the Life of Your Home

Regular maintenance can extend the life of your home. Everything from your roof to your appliances has a lifespan, and regular upkeep can help prolong that lifespan. By addressing minor issues and performing routine maintenance, homeowners can help ensure that their home lasts for many years to come.

Save Money in the Long Run

Regular home maintenance may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can actually save homeowners money in the long run. By catching and addressing issues early on, homeowners can prevent more costly repairs down the line. Additionally, well-maintained homes tend to have lower energy bills, as appliances and systems are operating at optimal efficiency. In conclusion, home maintenance is an essential part of owning a property. Regular upkeep can help prevent expensive repairs, ensure the safety of your family, increase the value of your home, extend the life of your property, and save homeowners money in the long run. By establishing a regular maintenance routine, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained home and avoid the costs and hassle of neglecting minor issues.

Bring the Movie Experience Home

Looking for some fun without a crowd? Bring the experience of being at the movies home with you by creating an outdoor movie theater! Skip the lines, get the best seats, and best of all – have your favorite snacks! Here are our tips for helping you make this dream a reality.

The Scene, Screen & Projector

To set the scene, you need to determine which screen and projector will work best for your particular situation. One thing to consider is the location of electrical outlets and the space you will have. Depending on how far your screen will be from the projector, you will want to keep this space in mind when choosing an appropriate screen size and a projector that will project the adequate distance.

To find the optimum distance for your space, you will need to measure the size of your screen diagonally and divide that size by 0.84. For example, a 100-inch projector screen requires an optimal viewing distance of 119 inches or 3 meters from the screen. Additionally, the size of the space will determine the appropriate throw distance. Common throw distances are Long Throw, Short Throw, and Ultra-Short Throw. Larger spaces will allow for a greater throw distance.

When choosing a projector, you will also want to consider the types of content you may be projecting. For instance, if you plan to stream content, you will want to choose a projector with smart features or one that allows you to connect a smart TV device like Chromecast. If you’re into sports, make sure the projector can support apps like ESPN. For gaming, consider the potential for input lag. Lastly, decide whether you prefer standard or high-definition projection.

Setting Up Your Theater Space

Creating the perfect outdoor theater isn’t just about the technical equipment; it’s also about setting up a comfortable and inviting space. Consider using outdoor-friendly furniture such as weather-resistant lounge chairs, bean bags, or even a blanket fort for kids. Adding string lights can create a magical ambiance as the sun sets.

Think about sound quality as well. Portable Bluetooth speakers can provide good sound, but for a more immersive experience, you might want to invest in a portable outdoor sound system. Ensure the speakers are placed at an optimal distance from your seating area to balance the audio.

Don’t Forget the Snacks!

As we hinted above, one of the reasons we love being able to have the movies at home is the freedom and affordable price tag of our own snacks. While you can obviously pick any snack to your heart’s desire, some snacks are better movie snacks than others. Our suggestion for the ideal snacks for your movie night? Choose something that doesn’t get your hands too messy, can be snacked on throughout the entire movie, and doesn’t have loud packaging. Since you can, it wouldn’t hurt to add a nutritious option also!

Consider setting up a small snack station with popcorn, candy, and a few healthy options like fruit or veggie sticks. A cooler with your favorite beverages is also a must. For a special treat, you could even set up a DIY s’mores station if you have a fire pit.

Final Touches

Before your movie starts, make sure everything is set up and functioning correctly. Test your projector and sound system, arrange the seating, and lay out the snacks. Have some cozy blankets or pillows on hand for when the evening gets cooler.

Creating an outdoor theater at home is a wonderful way to enjoy the magic of the movies with your friends and family in a personalized, comfortable setting. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can transform your backyard into a fantastic cinematic experience. Enjoy the show!

Sources:

• TechRadar: Short Throw vs Long Throw vs Ultra-Short Throw Projector
• Projector Screen: Projector Screen Calculators
• Custom HT: Calculating the Ideal Screen Size from Your Seating Position

Summer is just around the corner! Do you know what that means?

It means that it is time for you to dust the cobwebs off of your grill and get your backyard ready for summer cookouts! What better way to spend your summer than to be surrounded by family and friends as you showcase your grilling skills. However, is your outdoor space in need of some updates this year? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out these ideas to take your outdoor space to the next level.

Prep Zone

Nothing is worse than trying to grill but having to constantly walk back and forth between your kitchen and outdoor area because you don’t have the space to bring everything out at once. Having an outdoor prep area would not only provide you with a convenient space to prepare your meal, but will also save you some time. Be sure to use a surface that is easy to clean and something that offers storage to keep your grilling equipment protected.

It might also be a nice investment to add a small fridge to your outdoor cooking area, especially if you grill often. Not only would this help with making trips back and forth between the kitchen, but it would be perfect for keeping meat cool and out of the sun as well as for storing beverages for the cook and any guests.

Keep Cool

The hot summer sun can definitely become unbearable, especially if you are out by the hot grill. One way to help keep yourself cool while working the grill is to have a free-standing umbrella to protect and keep you out of the sun. You can use it to provide shade to your prep area, keeping food out of the sun, and then you can easily move it to the seating area when it is time to dig in. Or, if you have a covered deck or patio, consider adding an outdoor fan to help circulate air and to keep you cool.

Add Shelter

As we all know, the weather can certainly be unpredictable. If your grill is out in the open, consider adding some sort of covering to protect you and your grill from rain. This is also a great way to keep you out of the sun during those hot months! Remember to keep your shelter or structure at a safe distance from the grill to avoid any risk of fires.

Grab A Seat

One of the best parts of summer is having your family and friends over for a cookout. When the cook is outside manning the grill, guests tend to migrate outside to watch the chef work. Be sure you have plenty of seating available for you and your guests. A nice table and chair set works perfectly, but if you want a luxurious feel to your outdoor cook space, consider a built-in area with a bar where spectators can pull up a stool near the grill. Or, set up a bar-height table and chair set. Limited on space? A thin table with bench seats often fits most guests when space is not available.

Plan on hanging around outside after cooking? If so, a fire pit would be a wonderful investment. Not only can you use the fire to keep you warm when the sun goes down, but you can also kick it old-school and use grill grates to cook over the open flame. Pull up some chairs, grab a blanket, and sit back and relax!

Entertainment

Whether you are outside grilling solo or if you have people over, an outdoor television is the ultimate addition to your space. You can stream your favorite shows and won’t miss out on the big game while keeping an eye on the grill. Do your research before making that purchase to ensure your investment will hold up to the weather and heat.

No space for a TV? Invest in a good-quality outdoor speaker in its place! Or, if you are planning to host cookouts often, now would be a great time to invest in some fun yard games, such as Cornhole, Giant Jenga, and Yard Checkers, to keep guests entertained while you run the grill.