How to Upgrade Your Home With Smart Lighting

Light marries form and functionality. You can use it to make a small room look bigger or direct a beam directly at a tiny line of print you’re trying to read. However, it takes energy to create.

Addressing climate change is a collective responsibility. Fortunately, you can decrease your carbon footprint while enhancing your home’s beauty through technology. Here are seven tips on how to upgrade your home with smart lighting.

1. Light a Path to Your Door

Most slips and falls occur at home, and having inadequate lighting when you try to make your way up a steep driveway to your front door leaves you ripe for an accident. Add a few bags of unwieldy groceries, and you’re an “oops” waiting to happen.

However, improper lighting can also pose hazards. For example, the glare from hanging carriage lamps could leave you blind if your windshield is the least bit blurry or bug-splattered. Overly bright lights along your driveway could leave your front porch plunged into deep shadows, where a would-be intruder could lurk.

The solution? Smart lighting illuminates your routes into your home to make it a snap to navigate after dark. You can find solar power stake lights to line your driveway and front steps or walkway. You don’t have to run a single wire to give yourself a landing strip when you arrive home past midnight.

2. Reduce Eye Strain While Watching TV

You might have heard that it’s a bad idea to watch TV in a darkened room. That’s because the contrast between the light on the screen and the surrounding environment causes eye strain.

Researchers from The Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute recently confirmed a modest but significant increase in subjective discomfort and changes in blink rate when watching the tube in such conditions.

The solution? Use smart lighting to create an ambient glow around your display that minimizes the contrast between light and dark. It can be as simple as adhering an LED light strip on either side of the back of your set to cast a subtle glow from behind. You can even find color-changing models if you want a funky discotheque look after sunset.

3. Create an Atmosphere With LEDs

You can use LED bulbs nearly anywhere. Plus, replacing incandescents with these models decreases your carbon footprint while saving money. These models use less energy, saving you as much as $75 over the life of the bulb.

For example, do you want a soft, romantic glow in your bedroom? Swap your white bulb for a soft pink or lavender LED model. You won’t have to worry about the bulb burning a hole in your favorite scarf you used to throw over the lamp to set the mood.

Your kiddos can have a field day with LED bulbs. Get a color-changing one or create a rainbow effect with different hues in each lamp.

Even spots like the kitchen aren’t off-limits to LED works of wonder. You can find inexpensive under-cabinet lighting at most hardware stores that allows you to change the warmth from bright daylight to a warm glow for evenings.

4. Get Cellphone Savvy

There’s an app for everything these days – including turning off the lights when you forget. When selecting a new smart lighting system, seek one that links to your cellphone, allowing you to turn things off and on, even if you’re two states away. Could you imagine if Kevin McCallister from “Home Alone” had such technology?

Some models double as dimmer switches. If you’re one of the many working from home since the pandemic, use this trick to create a visual buffer between the “office” and the rest of your life. Dim your lights when your workday ends – you’ll instantly feel the stress start to slide from your shoulders.

5. Make It Automatic

Why make going from day to night require any effort at all? One of the benefits of smart lighting is that you can use timers to dictate when certain lamps turn on or off.

This feature significantly enhances your safety and might save you a few bucks on your homeowners’ insurance. Programmable timers make it look like someone is always home, deterring thieves. Check with your carrier to see if they give discounts for home security improvements like these.

6. Incorporate Backlighting

Adding lights underneath cabinets is only one way to highlight your home’s architectural beauty. You can also use illumination to highlight objects like mirrors and entertainment centers.

Doing so gives your home a sophisticated air. However, you won’t have to shell out big bucks. You can create the look with inexpensive smart LED string lights that easily mount behind the object you want to showcase.

7. Highlight Your Favorite Works of Art

Have you ever browsed an art gallery and noticed the tiny lamps illuminating each piece? You can likewise draw attention to the artwork decking your walls.

You can use backlighting for this purpose. Another option is to mount wall sconces on either side of the piece you want to highlight. If you have an impressive gallery, why not light it up like one, with an individual lamp showcasing each painting?

Upgrade Your Home With Smart Lighting

You might be spending more time at home these days. Improving your abode doesn’t have to entail shelling out big bucks, though. A little illumination can often do the trick. Follow the tips above to upgrade your home with smart lighting and enjoy a brighter tomorrow.

How to Safely Discard 25 Common Household Items

If you’ve found odds and ends piling up within your home, then it might be time to declutter. It’s great for rejuvenating your home with a new look. In fact, decluttering is beneficial for your mental and physical health. Clutter can hinder concentration, and that can lead to stress. Plus, the physical act of cleaning is a great way to work out that irritation.

When your home is due for some organization and tidying, you’ll likely throw some things out. However, when you need to get rid of household items, not everything can or should go into the trash. Here’s how to safely get rid of 25 of the most common household items.

Appliances

Whether you’re remodeling the home, moving, or just upgrading, appliances can be a pain to get rid of. In good condition, many appliances will have some resale value. Others can be donated. But some may just need to be disposed of.

1. Refrigerators

Contact your local trash service before setting a fridge out on the curb. Certain days of the week may be devoted to bulk pickup services. Earth 911 provides local drop-off locations to ensure your item is recycled. Or, if it’s clean and in good shape, consider selling your fridge on local online marketplaces to make extra money. 

2. Microwaves

Like a refrigerator, a microwave can be recycled at a drop-off recycling center. Clean models in good working condition can also be sold or donated. Consignment stores will accept donations in good condition. Or, you can sell it yourself; just be sure to clean it first.

3. Washers and Dryers

When you need to replace a washer or dryer, contact the manufacturer. Many, like Maytag, will uninstall, haul away, and recycle your old appliance. Like other appliances in good condition, these can be donated or resold. If they are old or you’re unable to get rid of them otherwise, then drop them off at a local scrap metal yard.

4. Kitchen Stoves

Often, stoves won’t be worth reselling. They are bulky, heavy, and potentially dangerous. It can be done, but be sure to call in a professional to disconnect the gas first if it’s a gas range.

If it’s destined to be recycled, then call a junk hauler. They can handle the heavy lifting and deliver the stove to the recycling center. 

5. HVAC Systems

HVAC systems should be disassembled and removed by professionals. They can contain chemicals, and they might be hooked up to gas lines. Junk haulers will be able to take these off your hands. However, some locations may require specific recycling centers because of chemical refrigerants in the system. 

Common Household Items

Most of your decluttering may come from everyday household items that have been collected over time. If you have multiple “junk drawers” or closets full of old stuff, then it’s time to get rid of them.

6. Light Bulbs

When it’s time to get rid of light bulbs, contact local recycling centers. Some accept light bulbs, but others don’t. Many hardware stores will take old light bulbs for recycling. You can also look into mail-in recycling programs. This can be a sensible idea after a recent home remodel has left you with a small pile of old bulbs. 

7. Food Cartons

Even though they’re made of paper, food cartons are rarely recyclable. These products are destined for the trash because of food contamination and wax coatings. This includes fast food packaging. 

8. Backpacks

Backpacks in working order can be donated to schools or local backpack drives. Volunteers of America provides Operation Backpack for many communities across the country. This provides schoolchildren with donated backpacks filled with school supplies.

9. Books

As they are mostly paper, old books can be recycled. Remove any hardcovers beforehand. For most books, though, consider donating them. Libraries may also take books in good shape. Check with your local branch about donation opportunities. 

10. All-Purpose Cleaning Products

Plastic containers can be recycled, but the cleaning product must be emptied and rinsed out beforehand. Always read any disposal warnings for each product. Many can go down drains, but others can’t. As well, you should never mix products when disposing of them.

11. Kitchen Supplies

Kitchen supplies can be sold, donated, or recycled. High-quality items like pots or certain kitchenware pieces can be resold to collectors. Items such as cups and plates will have to be in great condition. Local donation centers often take gently used kitchen supplies.

Anything damaged or discolored should be recycled.

12. Bedding

Bedding in good condition can be donated or sold. There can’t be any damage or stains. If there is, or if the items are just too old, then donate them to animal shelters.

13. Pillows

Like bedding, gently used pillows can be recycled. Not all of the materials in pillows can be recycled, though, so check the tag before you get rid of it. You can also contact the American Textile Recycling Service to recycle or even donate your pillow.

14. Prescriptions or Medicine

Always finish your entire prescriptions. Bring them to local collection events if you need to get rid of medications. They shouldn’t be flushed down the drain. For the containers, they can often be recycled. Check your local recycling guidelines if they accept the plastics used to make medicine bottles. 

15. Holiday Decorations

Many holiday decorations can be recycled. Local organizations will often have recycling drives after holidays. Also, hardware stores will usually take faulty strings of lights. Christmas trees can be left at most curbsides.

16. Toys

Used toys can be sold, but only those in perfect condition are usually sought after. Consider donating toys that are no longer used. Second Chance Toys will take gently used toys for recycling and donations.

17. Board Games

Like toys, donate board games that are in decent condition. You might be able to donate them to local shelters, schools, and even libraries. If they are damaged or missing pieces, then recycle whatever you can. 

18. Old Magazines and Newspapers

MagLiteracy will accept clean and gently read magazines for all ages. Some thrift stores will take old magazines, as will some libraries. The items must be in good condition. However, not every magazine is wanted or accepted. These items can be recycled. 

19. Batteries

Batteries are considered hazardous materials. Therefore, they should be taken to hazardous waste disposal facilities. They can be appropriately recycled or disposed of without contaminating the environment. Call2Recycle can help find where to recycle batteries of all types.

Furniture

Furniture can be sold, donated, or recycled. However, unless it’s ready for the trash, most furniture should have plenty of life after one owner.

With that said, junk hauling services are great for removing and disposing of old furniture. Contact local recycling centers to see if they offer pickup services.

20. Patio Furniture

Outdoor patio furniture in good condition can be donated to thrift stores. Some second-hand furniture stores might take them for resale. Many charities will also accept patio furniture, and some will even pick the items up at your curb.

21. Chairs

Heirloom-quality chairs that are taking up space can still be valuable. Contact local upholsterers or carpenters for a list of collectors. Chairs are also popular items to restore. You might have great luck selling quality chairs on online marketplaces. If you have a chair ready for disposal, disassemble it first. This will make it easier to pick up and sort for recycling.

22. Dining Tables

Dining tables are another item that can be resold to collectors or restorers. They can be a pain to move, so consider hiring a removal service. Gently used tables can be donated to thrift stores for a second home. 

23. Bookshelves

Bookshelves in good condition can have second uses in schools and daycares. Therefore, consider donating bookshelves to a local school or daycare. You may also want to contact local shelters to see if they need them. 

24. Desks

Like other pieces of furniture, desks can have a future life. Those in good condition can be resold. Others can be donated to local charities and second-hand shops. Junk desks can be left on the curb. 

25. Rugs

Rugs and other carpet pieces will go to a landfill if thrown away. At the very least, contact your local recycling services to find out if they accept rugs. If the rug is handmade or otherwise a quality item, it can be resold or donated to second-hand home goods stores. 

Closing Thoughts

Always try to avoid throwing items away. Landfills destroy the environment, so if an item can be recycled, then it should be. Still, one should also consider donating goods to those in need. Your old stuff could be just what someone else is looking for. 

Why You Should Let a Professional Handle Your Windows

Windows are huge spaces, and you need to take care of them with window coverings for privacy, functionality, and style. When it's time to dress your windows, you might think about doing it yourself, but letting the professionals take care of it for you is usually the better option. These are some of the best reasons to let an expert handle your window dressings.

They Can Make Your Coverings More Functional

The types of materials that you use for your window coverings will depend on the window and what you want to achieve. For instance, if you're covering a bedroom window that has a large streetlight outside sending light through the window, you might want blackout curtains. You don't need this for a small kitchen window, but this type of window could have other needs. A professional will be able to assess the window and what it needs to provide the most value.

A Professional Will Ensure Proper Window Cover Sizing

If you're looking at getting a window blind installation, getting a professional can help greatly because they will measure your blinds so that they fit your windows perfectly. Most of the blinds that you can find at the store will sort of fit your windows, but if you want custom blinds that fit perfectly then you need to hire a professional. You'll love how a pro can ensure that the fit is just right, and you'll have an array of materials to choose from when you talk to the experts for your window blinds.

The Pros Make Everything Easier

It's time-consuming to choose the window coverings in a store or online and install them around your windows yourself. When you hire someone to do it, you'll save yourself the time that you can use on other home projects or just enjoy more time at home with friends and family.

Limitless Styling and Customization

When you go with the pros, you get a vast selection of styling and customization so that you can get exactly what you want in terms of colors, patterns, textures, and so much more.

If you need new window coverings but are running short on time or don't like the selection or quality that you're finding other places, hiring a professional can change everything. Talk to experts about the functionality and styling that you want, and they can worry about the technical aspects of dressing your windows.

What to Expect When Buying a Home in 2022

If you are a first-time home buyer in 2022, it's important to understand the current landscape of the housing market, so you can get the best deal on your dream home. Last year, home prices skyrocketed, but you shouldn't expect to see any extreme price jumps in 2022. However, mortgage rates and home prices will most likely continue to climb at a steady rate. If you are set on purchasing a home this year, here's what you need to know.

Competition Will Increase

In 2022, you need to be prepared to compete with other homebuyers. Many people who put off buying last year will be in the market for a home this season. Fortunately, the inventory of available homes is likely to increase. There were very few homes for sale at the end of last year, but 2022 is expected to bring an influx of available houses.

The high demand and low inventory have caused prices to drastically increase. Some homes went so high that realtors couldn't in good conscience encourage their clients to buy. If you aren't prepared to sign a contract quickly, you are going to get swallowed up by buyers, more eager buyers.

Selling is Still Moving Fast

Some homes are selling in as little as ten days. Buyers are getting exhausted by how fast homes are slipping through their fingers. Many are tired of shelling out hundreds of dollars for home inspections and forgoing all stipulations just for the house to be sold to someone else. Including an escalation cap can help buyers tremendously.

It can be tempting to make hasty decisions when homes are disappearing from the market so quickly, but you don't want to settle for a home that's not so great or blow your budget. If you are getting burned out, you may need to take a break from buying and come back with a clear mind. Shopping for a home can be a full-time job these days.

Final Thoughts on Buying a Home in 2022

It is truly a seller's market. With mortgage rates continuing to rise and homes still selling like hotcakes, many experts are concerned that buyers will pay more than they can afford just to close on a home. If you are looking to become a homeowner this year, stay mindful of your budget and be patient while you wait for a home that is suited to your wants, needs, and financial situation.