Month: July 2022

Are you working on a DIY home improvement project? If so, you’re going to need to install new cabinets at some point. What if you make it another fun activity to do as a family? Keep reading to learn how to involve your kids in your home renovation and build your cabinet set together.

You want to start by measuring the space for your cabinets, and then cutting the wood to the exact size. This first step can be done before your kids become a part of the project.

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Otherwise, they might get a splinter or get cut. After everything is shaped to the right size, invite your kids to join! Painting the cabinets might be tedious, but is the best way for your kids to contribute. They’ll probably love it, too.

Want to learn more about involving your whole family in your new kitchen renovation project? Watch the video linked here! It gives great examples for DIY cabinets and provides some great guidelines for you to follow. Call a carpenter in your area to ask about sourcing plywood for your project. They’ll be ready to help you get started!

Did you know that pressure washers with 3,000 PSI can remove the toughest dirt and stains? Pressure washers also have the ability to scrape paints, mud, and oil quickly and effectively! If you don’t own your own pressure washer, it’s smart to utilize the services of a professional pressure washing company that has experience in pressure washing residential homes.

When you hire this type of service, your home’s curb appeal will be refreshed. In the video below, you can see that the home’s driveway and sidewalk needed some cleaning. After the pressure washing company came through, these features of the home look fantastic!

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Pressure washing can also help your home’s siding, roof, and other outdoor elements that have become dirty, stained, or chipped over time. When you do this, all of your neighbors will be jealous of your super clean curb appeal!

It’s also a good idea to hire a pressure washing company to improve curb appeal if you’re planning on selling your house and need to show it to potential buyers. Whether or not this is your situation, improving your home’s curb appeal will make you feel fantastic about your biggest investment: your home!

Are you preparing for a big move with your kids? There are several things you need to do. Apart from the regular moving preparations like packing and decluttering, you must prepare your kids for the move. So how do you go about that? Read on for some tips on how to prepare for moving to a new house with your little ones.

Prepare Your Kids for the Move First

Depending on the ages of your kids, they will understand the move differently. For some, it might be enough to promise them their separate bedroom. Younger kids can even enjoy the thrill of packing their bags. Unfortunately, older kids might find the move a bit daunting. Older kids usually have more ties to society and friends they may not want to leave. Whatever the case, here are several things you need to do as part of how to prepare for moving to a new house.

Have a Family Meeting

As part of how to prepare for moving to a new house, ensure that you avoid surprises. After you have dealt with realtors and home builders and made sure the move is certain, the next thing should be to sit your kids down and have a family meeting. During the meeting, avoid dominating the conversation. Instead, allow all your kids to share their thoughts. You must also keep several do’s and don’t in mind. For instance, it might not be a good idea to make fake promises. You must always be truthful regarding the information you share with your kids. It’s also crucial to allow them space to ask what they want. This will let them know that they are part of the process.

To ensure they don’t feel left out, make sure you also ask their opinion on certain things, including how they think you should decorate the new house and things like home security. Even if you are stressed during the meeting, never let the stress show. Children generally look up to their parents for emotional guidance. So if they notice that you are upset or nervous about the move, the children will be nervous too. To get your children’s imagination going, play some games, act out the move or draw pictures. Make it so that the move starts looking like an adventure.

Avoid Stressing the Kids Out

While some kids will greatly benefit from distractions, you will find that moving houses is generally not the best time to introduce new things that are not part of their usual routine. Where possible, pause these until you are now settled in your new home. This will give the kids time to adapt and feel like they are home again.

Explore the New House and Neighborhood

Another great way to prepare your kids is to explore the new neighborhood with them if possible. Even if you cannot physically visit the new neighborhood, you can still browse the internet and look at pictures of the area. It would also be a great idea to show them photos of the new house. If the area is close enough, the best you can do is to take them to the new house or neighborhood so they can get a feel of what the environment is like.

Involve Your Children in the Process

This is a great way to make kids feel better about the move. They mustn’t feel like you are making all the decisions. There are several ways to make kids feel like they are part of the process. Talk to them about their belongings and find out what they will need in the new house. Help them decide what will fit and what they can buy when they get there. It’s important to give them reasonable freedom to pick through their belongings. Even if their favorite items are heavy things like television sets, you should do things in such a way that the kids don’t feel like they are being punished because of the move. If they feel like they are giving up too much, they will start feeling that way. If you end up having a garage sale, give your kids some pocket money, especially if they sold their belongings.

Let the Kids Say Proper Goodbyes

Children usually build strong emotional connections to places and people. Whether it be interstate moving or even going to the other side of town, chances are your kids won’t get to see their friends as often, or sometimes at all. This is why allowing them to have a proper send-off is crucial. That shows you recognize the amount of time and effort they invested into building connections. You can even host a going-away party. Apart from that, when you talk to them, remind them of the possibility of keeping in touch with their pals over the phone.

Make a Moving Checklist

Once you have taken the time to ensure that your kids are ready for the move, you should start planning the logistics. The first thing you will want to do is come up with a moving checklist. Doing this might seem tedious, but it actually works. You will find that writing things down helps you commit them to memory. After all, if you keep the checklist, you can refer back to it if you forget something. That way, you won’t have to waste precious time trying to remember something that needs to be done. This is quite important if you are going far away from your current location or if you are moving overseas.

Here are some of the things you may want to put on your how-to prepare for moving to a new house checklist:

• Getting in touch with utility companies to arrange to shut off services
• Setting up mail forwarding services
• Purchasing packing materials
• Hiring a mobile moving storage unit

Include any tasks that you must not forget on this list. As you complete each item, you can then cross it off your list.

Set Your Budget

Moving can be quite expensive. This is why you need to set aside time to set a budget. That can go a long way in helping you save money. By trying to come up with a budget, you will be able to see whether you can afford a full-service move or you need to do some things on your own. A moving budget will also help ensure that you don’t spend more money than you can afford. Your to-do list will help you create a detailed moving budget. As you are creating a budget, make sure you check the prices of the goods and services you need for your move. For instance, you will want to know the prices charged by moving companies and the prices of things like boxes and such.

Plan a DIY Move or Hire a Moving Company

Once you have a moving budget, you will know whether it’s a good idea to hire professional movers or do things on your own. This is an important part of how to prepare for moving to a new house. If the budget allows you to hire movers, the next step would be to try and find the best movers around you. You can do this by asking any of your friends or family members if they know any good professional movers. Ask them what they appreciated most about the movers they recommended. If you fail to get any good recommendations, your next stop should be the internet.

A simple search with the right words like moving and storage service can help you find the moving companies near you. If there are lots, you will need to come up with a shortlist. The first thing to check is the reviews on their websites and social media pages. Are their past clients happy with the service they provided? If there are lots of complaints, it would be a good idea to move to the next company.

Once you have filtered out the ones with bad reviews, it will be time to call and ask things like how much they charge. This doesn’t mean that you should go with the cheapest movers. Apart from the cost, you should look at things like experience. Working with movers who have been in the business for a long time will give you peace of mind knowing that there is no guesswork involved. If you are going the DIY route, you will need to get prices for van rental and other moving equipment. You should also invite friends and family to come to assist with the packing and loading. Don’t forget to make lunch and dinner for those helping you out.

Declutter

There is no perfect time to declutter than when you are figuring out how to prepare for moving to a new house. Take time to go through all your belongings and identify everything that you don’t need. This will save you a lot of time and space, so you don’t pack things you will never use. To ensure you don’t spend excessive amounts of time decluttering, do it systematically. A room-by-room approach will help you move faster.

You should also encourage the kids to do the same. They should identify clothes, toys, and other things they no longer need so you can leave them behind. Before you start, keep in mind that you will need a plan for the things you want to leave behind? Are you going to throw them in the trash, send them for recycling, or you will have a garage sale? To not end up confused, you need to actively group everything in real-time. This means you will need different bags for each of the classes of items.

Get Packing Supplies and Pack

Now that you are left with only the things you are moving with, it’s time to go get your packing supplies. You can either buy moving boxes or find a wooden moving crate company. If you are buying boxes, buy more than you think you need. You don’t want to end up having to go buy more boxes because you have too many things than you anticipated. Packing is generally the most time-consuming part of moving. To ensure that you don’t waste too much time packing, you need to plan the process properly.

The first thing you might want to do is pack an essentials bag. In most instances, the packing day will be quite chaotic. The essentials bag should contain things that you may need to access during the moving process. It must also have things that you will want to use soon after your arrival at the new house. This includes things like medications, important documents, chargers, changes of clothes, and basic toiletries. Once the essentials bag is packed, you can then move on to the rest of the items.

When packing, do things in a way that saves time. For instance, if you have a chest of drawers with clothes in it, it might not be necessary to remove the clothes. You just have to pack it like that so you can offload it and not have to repack clothes. You should also remember to take pictures of any complex wiring in your old home. This will ensure you get the appliance and gadget connections right when you get to where you are going. Moving can be tricky, but if you do your things in an organized manner, you should be alright.

What to Do on Moving Day

Moving day usually goes by super fast. However, it might present its own stressors and challenges. To ensure you don’t end up too stressed, stay hydrated and make sure that you eat well. You may want to pack a cooler with some easy-to-grab drinks. You should also pack some foods that will help you maintain your strength during the day. Keep the cooler in a position where it won’t get in the way. You should also remember to ensure that it doesn’t end up getting packed in the truck with the rest of the items.

Now you know some tips for how to prepare for moving to a new house. Moving with kids can be a tricky process. However, if you take the time to prepare them for the move, things should go smoothly. Always get help with things like truck rental when you need some.

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If it’s time to send your child to preschool, there are a few things you’ll want to know. Especially if the child is your first, you may feel nervous about sending them to preschool. Ask the right questions so that you can have peace of mind and a preschool that truly cares for your child.

One thing to consider is the price. It is a bit obvious, but if this is your first time enrolling a child in preschool, you may be surprised at the different price ranges different preschools offer. Some may ask for $100 per month, and others may charge $250 per week. Figure out what fits with your budget before moving further.

The second thing you want to pay attention to is the curriculum and methods of learning. It isn’t supposed to be a university lecture, but preschool needs to prepare your child for kindergarten and beyond. A common teaching method today is “play-by-learning”, but it’s important to move beyond just the name. Ask them specifics about how the curriculum works day to day to make sure it’s right for your child.

It’s also important to take a tour of the preschool. So much is done digitally these days, and preschools will have photos of their facilities all over their website. It still doesn’t compare to on-the-ground experience. Go to the preschool and make sure it’s a place you feel comfortable sending your child.

For more information, check out the video above.

 

When it’s hot outside, but you’ve got nothing to do, things can get extremely boring, even for someone with an adult attention span. You are exploring something fun to do and might be thinking about going to the beach, but that’s probably too much work. Maybe you want something readily accessible, free, or cheap. So, what do you do? Of course, there are many fun things to do on a hot day for free. That means it’s time for some fun with kids and adults alike, and it won’t cost you a penny!

Go Hiking

Whether a beginner or an experienced hiker, there are plenty of trails in your area perfect for getting out and enjoying nature. Try any of the fun things to do on a hot day for free! Grab some bottled water, take a nice long walk or run around the neighborhood at no cost, provided you don’t get dehydrated. If you are from an urban area, there’s always something interesting around every corner. You have to look up from your computer and see what catches your eye.

Hike around a lake or river with your dog if you got one. The sound of running water is soothing and can help cool down even the hottest days. You can also rent bikes at local bike shops and ride along. Bicycling is an excellent way to get away from it all and enjoy some fresh air while exercising simultaneously.

Visit the Zoo or an Aquarium

A good option for spending time outdoors is going to an aquarium or zoo. These places allow you to see animals up close and meet them face-to-face without traveling far. Most of these places have exhibits with different environments and conditions so visitors can see how animals live in their native habitats. You can get a chance to watch some interesting animals going about their business in the wild and raccoons are some of the most fun to watch and photograph.

Go Swimming

The ocean is usually the first place people think of when they want to cool off, but it can be pretty intimidating if you’ve never been in the ocean before. Don’t worry; it will be easy as you get some experience under your belt.

Don’t worry about getting your suit on because it’s so hot outside that you’ll sweat out anything stuck to your body. Find an outdoor pool nearby if you don’t have access to swimming pools. Or if there’s no pool nearby, get into the water anyway! You can use your bathroom, and for best results, you may have to renovate your bathroom. The goal is to get wet and stay cool.

Spend Time With Your Kids

Whether looking for something fun and interactive or spending the day in the sun with your children, art camps are a great way to do it. If you have kids who love art, they can attend children’s workshops at museums or pottery classes in a studio setting. Kids can make art with others, learn about the arts and have fun.

You can also find camps focusing on different arts: music, dance, writing, and more. Some include meals and other activities in their price tags, while others don’t charge anything. The only cost is the time at the camp itself. Another option is taking your family out for ice cream or making popsicles at home. The possibilities are endless.

Visit the Nearest Park

One of the fun things to do on a hot day for free is to explore nature and take advantage of the beautiful views. Some parks have good inground pools open during the summer; if you like it, you can swim there. Some parks are free, while others have a small admission fee. You can find out if there are any fees by checking the website of your local park.

Many parks also provide free activities such as picnics, playgrounds, and hiking trails. You and your friends can organize an impromptu soccer game, or you can watch your kids playing sports with others. You can play some basketball, volleyball or baseball. If lucky, you might even catch a concert in your area. Some of the best music festivals are held in warm weather months and are fun activities to do with friends and family.

Have an Indoor Picnic

If you are looking for fun things to do on a hot day for free, there is nothing like an indoor picnic. All you need is a lunch or dinner container, some paper plates, and some snacks. You can also use these storage containers for holding other items like baskets, flowers, plants, and even your kids’ toys.

Ice cream socials, picnics, and backyard parties make good excuses to break out the ice cream maker. You can also use this time to make ice for parties and other frozen treats such as snow cones or slushies. Ice is an excellent coolant on hot days and keeps drinks cold, which is especially important if you’re serving liquor. You can get ice from most grocery stores and even some convenience stores, but it’s usually pretty expensive. If you want the best quality ice, you must go to an ice machine or cooler store. A good way to cut costs is by freezing water in the freezer and pouring it into bags of ice.

Pool parties are excellent ways for friends and families to spend time together outdoors during the summer months. They’re also an excuse for young kids to get wet. Consider making some cool games if you plan to host one at your place. There’s nothing quite like playing Marco Polo in the water.

Go Bargain Hunting

Shopping is one of the fun things to do on a hot day for cheap if you look for great deals. Why not go shopping if you have nothing to do on a hot day? You can take a break from the heat by grabbing a cup of coffee and taking advantage of sales and markdowns on items that are likely to be hot sellers. If you have time for a little retail therapy, go to the mall or the closest bank of stores. Even if it’s not your favorite store, it will be nice to browse around in the air conditioning. You can also check out the outdoor displays at local malls and boutiques.

If you’re looking for something specific, try hitting up a local farmers’ market or community garden in your area. These events are usually held in parks or other public spaces and offer great bargains on food and flowers that would otherwise be too expensive during those times of the year when they’re in peak season. You can shop for different things and have lunch at a restaurant or two. You can also find cool deals on clothing, shoes, and accessories. You might even find something new that you’ve been looking for in markets.

Go Fishing

Fishing is a great option if you’re looking for a relaxing activity that’s easy on your pocketbook and good for the environment. You can fish with family or friends at your local lake or river. It’s also a great way to get out of the house and enjoy nature while also getting some exercise.

Plant a Garden

Gardening is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors on a hot day. You can plant flowers in your backyard or grow vegetables. Gardening allows you to plant seeds, water them, nurture them and watch them grow into beautiful plants that provide fresh food for years to come.

Visit the Library

When considering fun things to do on a hot day for free, think about going to the library. The library resource provides books and movies to watch. It’s also a great place to escape and meet people. Children will enjoy checking out books or playing with the toys in the toy section. If you don’t have children, there are always plenty of other things to do at the library.

If you’re looking for something more active, there are many programs at the library that you can participate in with your kids. You’ll find them playing games like chess or checkers while they learn new skills or practice reading aloud with a good book in hand. There’s also plenty of space outside to enjoy some fresh air while you work on your summer homework assignments.

Watch Free Movies

There are tons of free movies on Netflix and Hulu Plus, especially if you are a tech person. Why not take advantage of those services? You can also find free movies at any theater. With your smartphone, it’s possible to get out into nature and enjoy some sun while watching a movie at the same time. You can also catch sports events on TV, for example, watch live sports games if you’re lucky enough to be in an area showing over-the-air (OTA).

Go Camping

If you’re looking for fun things to do on a hot day for free, whether something to do with your kids or break up your workday, you can do a lot in the great outdoors. If you have access to land, camping is always an option. You can power your camping gear with the sun by using solar energy. Different campsites are available: primitive campgrounds, RV parks, and even vacation rentals. Many of these places offer amenities like spas, so if you want to give yourself a little treat, this is one way to go. You can camp in most parts of the country, go into the wilderness and enjoy nature. You can head out into the city or out on an island.

Whatever your preference, there are plenty of fun things to do on a hot day for free. Here are ways to save while camping: Camping with friends is always cheaper than going solo because everyone needs gear and food anyway. You can split costs fairly evenly and even share equipment if necessary. Plus, hanging out with friends who love being outdoors is always fun. Many campsites offer group discounts as part of their membership packages. These group rates typically include amenities like showers and restrooms.

Play Tennis or Golf

You can free play at your local courses and have fun with friends. These are great activities if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on something you’ll do once in a while. Plus, it’s better than sitting indoors watching TV. If you’re in the habit of playing either sport on your own, then you already know how frustrating it is when forced to wait around for a partner. That’s why it’s worth taking advantage of any opportunity to play without having to pay a fee.

Visit a Museum

If you haven’t been to a museum in a long time, it could be one of the fun things to do on a hot day for free. Many museums offer free admission on certain days throughout the year. You can save by buying tickets online. Take the kids along too because it’s fun for them, and they’ll learn something new.

On a hot day, you can do anything. If you want to go for a walk or run errands, then go for it. If you want to stay and read a good book, then do that. There are plenty of options to keep yourself entertained on these hot days. You’ve been there at some point in life. You’re hot, need a break from the heat, and don’t want to spend money on something basic like ice cream or a movie. It’s a little-known fact that there are tons of fun things to do on a hot day for free. Nevertheless, there is no risk in trying. You might be pleasantly surprised.