How to declutter your home in 2022

We have been stuck in our homes more than ever, using it as an office, a school, a place to relax and play. The result? A whole load of clutter slowly closes in on you and the family. At the start of 2022, when we are still advised to work from home, we should start to clear a way through the objects in our way.

Here we look at some of the best hints and tips for decluttering your home and making room for the life you want to lead.

Take small steps

While it might be emotionally cathartic to whizz through your home in one go, it will be easier and more productive if you start small. Knowing that you have to declutter and leaving it in the corner of your mind as something you need to do won’t work. You will likely be reading an article in a year asking how to declutter your home in 2023.

Consequently, the best way forward is to start with a five minute declutter every day. Choose an area, sort through some of your stuff, and then move on. Alternatively, work at a rate of one item a day or one bin bag at a time. Choose a way that makes the job feel possible to you and get into a habit of doing it every day. One great tip is to set a reminder on your smart speaker to prompt you to do it at a set time in the day. 

Do it for charity

Doing something because it needs to be done is hard, and we can come up with a million reasons why it can wait until tomorrow. Yet, when one of those bags comes through the door from a charity, you can use this to motivate you to act. The small crying child or the hurt animal needs you to act, and you will do it for them, as you are a good person. External motivation is more often a powerful influence than our internal voices.

A good place to start your decluttering for charity is in the wardrobe. Think, when was the last time I wore this? And if you remember a time three years ago, this item should probably go to the charity.

Another way to trigger that motivation is by taking up a challenge. So, try the 12-12-12 challenge. You and your family each have to find 12 objects to recycle, 12 to donate and 12 that need to be returned to the rightful owner. Offer a prize to the person who does this most efficiently and effectively… you will be surprised how quickly your home becomes decluttered!

View your home as though you are visiting it for the first time

The problem might not be your levels of motivation. The issue might be that you don’t know what clutter is and your life. Everything in your home might feel like it has a role and history, and each thing is precious.

Here, you will have to separate yourself from the place in front of you. Taking away that subjective point of view is hard, but when you can do it, you will find it much easier to say, “I don’t need this anymore; it is just cluttering up my life.”

So, look around your home as though seeing it for the first time. Choose someone you just met and make up a story of inviting them into your house. What would they see? You will soon start to see the places in your home that need your attention. 

Learn about the Japanese of decluttering and organizing

In the KonMari method, Marie Kondo offers a powerful mindset to tidying. There are two pieces of advice from this method that are a good place to start. First, declutter by category, not location. In other words, start with books, move on papers, work through your clothes. In this method, you leave the sentimental items until last. Then, hold them in your hands as you sort through these items. Does this item spark joy in you? If yes, keep it; if not, discard it. 

This method is so helpful because it recognizes that our home is an extension of who we are. Therefore, decluttering is more than just tidying up; it explores what is important to you now. 

Start your declutter now

These are all powerful approaches to decluttering. Really, if you listen carefully, the problem is one of procrastination. Therefore, if you are reading this article, you are likely putting off this job you already know you need to get done. The answer? Do it now.

Reasons to Consider Replacing Your Home’s Windows This Spring

For most homeowners, keeping their home comfortable during the warmer months is a top priority. A primary factor influencing the temperature in any home is its windows. Living in a well air-conditioned and temperature regulated house brings a lot of serenity to mind. That’s why it’s important to ensure your windows are well catered to make your home a comfortable place to be. Installing energy-efficient windows can help to make your home more comfortable during the warmer months.

Take Advantage of Special Savings During the Spring Months

Residential window replacement can be cost-effective and convenient because many homeowners can find special savings, especially during spring. Check into different local businesses to see if they offer any discounts at certain times of the year. 

Improve Your Quality of Life for the Summer

Without a doubt, windows are significant in any home. Windows make or break space as they add a lot of character and ambience to the dwelling. The right windows will also provide you with comfort and protection from the summer heat. You don’t want to feel trapped in a hot home throughout the summer. Make warmer months enjoyable for you and your family by keeping your home as cool as possible. 

Lower Utility Bill Just in Time for the Hot Weather

When temperatures soar, there’s a good chance you’re going to be turning on the air conditioning in your home. As nice as it is to cool off in the hot weather, this can lead to an increase in utility bills. Fortunately, the easy way you can save money on utility bills in the summer is by replacing old windows in spring. New windows will provide better insulation. You can even opt for tinted windows in your home for extra sun protection. 

Reducing Noise in Your Home

Windows can be a great source of unwanted noise; therefore, replacement with soundproof windows will help reduce the noise effect. There are many reasons for soundproofing windows and doors. They include noise reduction especially within small structures, reduction in structure-borne noise such as from a furnace, air conditioner or plumbing system out of sight inside the walls. Soundproof windows reduce sound entry and provide a peaceful resting place during any time of year. Contact soundproof window installation services if this is your primary reason for replacing your windows this spring.

New windows can completely transform your home. They can even help it stay cool during the spring and summer months. Consider the above reasons for replacing your windows and decide if it’s the best move for you this year. 

5 Ways to Filter Water at Home

Every living person on Earth needs clean, potable drinking water to survive, but sometimes water sources can become contaminated and unfit for healthy consumption. Filtering your water at home is an excellent way to ensure your drinking water is safe and clean. In addition, filtered water tastes better than unfiltered water.

Filtering water at home is not as difficult as you may think, and filtering your water at home is much cheaper and better for the environment than buying bottled water. Here are five ways to filter water at home:

Commercial Water Filters

Commercial water filters are available in a variety of forms. Portable water filters are great for emergency situations when you don't have access to fresh tap or well water. You can also purchase pitchers with pre-installed filters or filtration systems to hook up to your kitchen faucet.

Charcoal

Charcoal has the fantastic ability to absorb and store toxic compounds, remove odors, and kill germs. One way to purify water at home with charcoal is to place some charcoal in a sock and pour water through the sock. Another easy way to use charcoal for purifying tap and other types of water is to use binchotan charcoal.

Binchotan charcoal has powerful absorption properties and can attract and trap unwanted chemicals and flavors in water. Companies like Rikumo offer binchotan charcoal sticks that make purifying water easy and hassle-free.

Sand Purification

Using sand for water purifications is a time-honored method used by farmers for many years. Sand filtration uses different layers of sand to remove suspended solids from water. The technique is effective, but sand filtration systems are slow, and you need a large amount of space for filtering large amounts of water.

Boiling

Boiling water is the simplest and most common way to purify water. Boiling water kills bacteria, microorganisms, and viruses. Boiling water will not remove heavy metals or chemicals, so it's best to use a filter system in conjunction with boiling to ensure the water is free of all dangerous substances, especially if the water is extremely contaminated.

UV Water Filtration

Ultraviolet light will kill bacteria, germs, viruses, and other microorganisms in water. You can purchase ultraviolet water filtration systems in stores or order them online. You can also purchase portable UV filtration systems for fast and easy water filtration at home or on the go.

You may be considering filtering your water for many reasons. While there are regulations in place to ensure the safety of your tap water, they may not be enough. Adding a water filtration system to your home or using other methods of filtration will make the water you drink safer, healthier, and better-tasting.

Are Metal Roofs More Durable Than Ceramic Tile Roofs?

Your home's roof provides protection against wind, rain, snow, heat, and other natural elements. Without a strong roof, your home is susceptible to water damage, insect and animal infestations, loss of heat during winter, and loss of cold air during summer.

Your choice of roofing materials can mean a big difference in your home's comfort and the roof's durability. While there are many different types of roofing materials available, metal and ceramic tiles roofs are among the most durable and long-lasting, but which is better and most durable?

Durability and Resistance Comparison

When it comes to durability, both ceramic tile roofs and metal roofs are among the best, but each type has its pros and cons. Concrete and ceramic tile roofs can last up to 50 years. Metal roofs can last a long time as well, but proper installation and regular maintenance are essential to longevity. If the metal roofing installation is done by an experienced professional and maintained regularly, a metal roof can last well over 60 years.

Maintenance Comparison

All roofs need regular inspections and maintenance, but some require more maintenance than others. When ceramic tiles become damaged and need to be replaced, it can be difficult to find tile that exactly matches the existing tiles. Metal roofs use large sheets of metal, so there are no individual tiles to become cracked or broken.

Design and Style Comparison

Metal roofs have an advantage when it comes to architectural style and design because they enhance and complement almost any type of architecture. In addition, metal roofs tend to hold their value longer than tile and other types of roofing. The recouped value of a metal roof resale is roughly 90 percent.

Energy Efficiency Comparison

There's more to a roof than just how it looks to the outside world. A quality roof needs to be aesthetically pleasing, durable, and energy-efficient. Metal roofs have grown in popularity due to their durability and energy efficiency. Metal roofs reflect heat away from a home and offer a 45 percent decrease in the flow of heat, which allows for lower cooling costs.

Your choice of roofing material comes down to several factors, such as affordability, design style, and personal preference. No matter which type of roof you choose, always use a trusted roofing company to help you determine which type of roof best suits your climate, budget, and design theme.