Category: News

Guest Post By Hannah Jones

For some, decluttering can be a daunting task, while for others, it’s their form of stress relief.

Today’s shopping trends make shoppers excited about sales and special offers that there is now a tendency to hoard things that don’t even end up in good use.

Hence, it’s a necessity to declutter at least once in a while.

Decluttering becomes all the more important when you’re moving from one house or office to another.

 

Here are the reasons you should declutter before your move:

1. It lessens the cost of moving

Moving is an expensive thing to do; it entails a lot of preparation, hard work, and costs, too.

Hiring a mover is one of the considerations that you cannot forego when you’re going to move.

Take note that the more things you have, the more costs you’ll incur as your mover will have to pack and transport more items.

When you declutter before you pack your things, you will be surprised to see that you have already accumulated a lot of rubbish and trash in your home.

It’ll be a very unpleasant and costly experience for you to bring all these with you in your new home when they’re practically of no use anymore.

So, sift through your things, pack only those that you use and are sentimental to you, donate the useable ones, and throw the items that you consider as rubbish.

You may hire rubbish removal services such as 1300 Rubbish Removal Sydney to help you properly dispose of your junk.

2. It makes it easier for you to track your items

No matter how trustworthy or reliable your mover may be, you still have to perform an accountability check on your things.

This will help ensure that not a single thing has been misplaced, left behind, or stolen.

It is a very unpleasant experience to finally settle in your new home and later on find out that the plates you inherited from your mother-in-law are missing.

The lesser things you bring with you during the move, the easier for you to track your items and know where they are.

3. It helps you to welcome your new home with a happier vibe

Professional organizers unanimously agree that the more things you have in your home, the more stressed you become.

When you have more things, you have more tidying up and maintaining to do in your house, and these add up to the pile of work that you have to accomplish daily.

However, when you declutter before you move, you can enter your new home or office space with a happier and lighter feeling.

Interior designers have been quoted so many times that the reason hotel rooms make you feel so relaxed is the absence of clutter and unnecessary things.

Hence, the cleaner your new space is, the more peaceful your mind becomes.

4. It creates more open space that you can enjoy

When you carry less stuff with you when you move, you’re creating so much more space in your new abode.

You have all these extra space for you to enjoy. This space can be used to create new memories for your family and even for yourself.

Hence, it gives you a sense of “moving forward” with your life, while making room for new experiences and new meaningful items.

If you bring all your stuff with you, your new dwelling will end up feeling like your old, cramped-up home all over again.

5. It helps you have a healthier life

Clutter attracts dust and dirt. If you haven’t been decluttering your home for a long time now, you might be overwhelmed later on when you pack for your move how much dirt and dust you have collected on all the things that you haven’t used in a long time.

Dust and dirt are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and viruses that can take a toll on your health, especially in children.

When your house is dirty, you will find that you and your family tend to get sick more often.

When you declutter before your big move, you’re making your new house or office space a healthier sanctuary for you and your family.

Plus, it gives you a fresh start, too, as you focus your mind and energy on more important things.

6. It helps you make some money before you move

Moving is expensive, any way that can make you earn a little bit more is advantageous for you.

For example, when you move into your new home, you might find that there is a need for you to purchase one more new cabinet.

When you declutter before you move, you can sell the things that you won’t be bringing with you, and you can use the proceeds to fund any expenses that you haven’t foreseen concerning the move.

Conclusion

If you have a big move coming up, do make it a point to include decluttering in your plan and schedule.

Before you start packing and even before you ask a mover to come in to pick up your things, it’s best if you’ve already undergone a major decluttering of your home.

When you declutter before your big move, you can leave any excess baggage behind, so to speak; this will make more room for more important things later on, as you start the process of creating a new home for yourself or your family.

Guest post by Asad Shoaib

Whether you want to replace or install your roof, you would need the best roofing company to rely on it.

As you hand over all of the responsibilities to the roofing company, if you don’t take it seriously you might end up facing serious troubles.

On the contrary, if you succeed in finding the best roofing company, it would ensure the structural longevity of your roof.

Here are some of the tips which may help you in getting the best roofing company.

License/ Registration

Due to the increase in scams, nowadays finding a reliable and authentic roofing company requires some effort.

Since you don’t want to see your investments go wasted, it is important to make sure that the company you hire is licensed.

You can directly ask it to see the official documentation before you sign any contract or pay any advance money to it.

Research

Before you make a final decision, it is important that you search for a number of options.

It is not wise to hire just the one that shows up first to you. Instead, you need to compare options with every aspect before you shortlist any of them.

References

References are of the best ways to be sure that you are hiring the reliable and best roofing company.

The companies you choose must provide you with references.

Once you are able to get them, take some time and call at least a few of them to understand the way they work and carry out their roofing projects.

Free Estimate or Bid

It is better if the company you choose is offering you free estimates or bids.

If the company is not willing to assess your roof damages for free, it can cost you a lot in the long run. So, skip that company and move on with other options you have to ensure that you get the free damage assessments and inspection.

Insurance

You need to make sure that all of company’s workers and contractors are insured.

If you skip this part, you are going to waste a lot of your money on accidental injuries and property damages.

However, if you have a company that covers your damages, your life would be at peace.

Warranties

Warranty plays an integral role as it shows the integrity of the roofing company.

The company you choose must offer a warranty and stand by it to avoid you any trouble in future.

Written Estimates & Timeline

You must get everything in writing from the cost estimation to the number of workers and the timeline of the roofing project.

It is important to keep the transparency and know the day to day activity to avoid any conflict or dispute later with the Ann Arbor roofing contractors.

This way, everyone would be saved from getting panic and frustrated at the end of the day.

Guest post by Asad Shoaib 

Some roofs reach their time limit after performing well for a many years.

It is your responsibility to get a new roof at the right time when the old one stops functioning properly.

You must possess the required knowledge to identify the problems and damages of your old roof to be able to make the right decision about getting a new roof.

Here are some of the signs which would give a red signal that you might need a new roof.

Moss Growth

Can you see any signs of moss growth on the surface of your roof?

If yes, it is a warning sign which indicates that your roof is not getting proper sunlight.

It can cause damage to your roof  by affecting their performance and holding water against the material

You can try to brush the moss off on your own, but if it still continues to grow after every small interval, you need to contact professional contractors for help.

Missing Tiles

It can be due to extreme weather conditions like winds, hail, and heavy rainfall that  missing tiles on your roof means that your roof is in serious trouble.

Although you can see the missing tiles on your own you might need assistance from professional roofing contractors Canton Michigan to determine the root cause of the problem.

In most of the cases, there is no solution to this problem except the replacement of the tiles altogether.

Grit in Gutter

If you are able to see grit in your gutters and downspouts, it shows clearly that the tiles have started to break down.

You can get the gutters inspected by the experts but the grit means the tiles are starting to deteriorating speedily and you need to start saving for major repairs..

Water Stains On The Ceiling

It is a really bad sign for your roofing if you see water stains.

A quick check is if you are able to see the sunlight when in your attic,

Severe leakage problems need to be addressed as soon as possible and repairs started.

Sagging

Sagging is a clear indication of structural damage of your roof.

If your roof is sagging, there might be some problem with the roof structure.

In its earlier stages your professional contractor may be able to make a low cost reapait

With major sagging it will probably need your complete roof replaced.

 

 

Guest Post by Hannah Jones

There is a great chance that your home is the most significant investment you will make in your lifetime, so it is crucial to keep it in tip-top condition.

Plumbing is one aspect of home maintenance that all homeowners should consider.

To avoid terrible plumbing problems, homeowners should ensure that their plumbing system is in excellent functioning condition.

New homeowners may probably find their plumbing system a bit intimidating since not everyone knows how to troubleshoot plumbing problems.

Most of them don’t even know what kind of maintenance plan they are using for their plumbing system at home.

For professional assistance, Galaxy Plumbing Inc. caters to your home plumbing concerns.

Listed below is a plumbing checklist that new homeowners should follow:

General Plumbing Checklist

1. Visual inspection of the plumbing system components at home should be done regularly as a preventative measure of more severe plumbing problems.
2. Run all taps in the home including those in the tubs, showers, and sinks checking the cold and hot water functions of each.
3. Ensure that there is enough water pressure and flow as it could be a sign of a larger problem or sediment buildup.
4. For a multi-story house, inspect the ceiling under laundry rooms or bathrooms for staining and wet spots.
5. Check the house especially the kitchen and bathroom for mildew or mold. Water damage may also cause musty odors inside the house.
6. Inspect the flooring around sinks and toilets including the refrigerator and dishwasher to ensure that there is no warping or staining. Floors should not have soft spots and should feel solid under pressure. Cracked or broken floor tiles can be due to water pooling underneath it.
7. Inspect the hoses of your washing machine and dishwasher since these are susceptible to leaks. Look for signs of wear and tear or bulges in any part of the hose. It is highly recommended that hoses be replaced every ten years.

Bathroom Plumbing Checklist

1. Remove the shower heads and check for signs of sediment. This is usually one way to check if the low water pressure is caused by sediment build-up.
2. Verify that taps don’t drip when they are turned off. and that all the drains are functioning well.
3. Ensure that the bath is draining properly. If the drains make noise or bubble up while water is going down the pipe, it is usually indicative of plumbing problems.
4. Flush the toilets inside the home and verify that the water is going down properly and that water is replenished immediately. If the toilets fail to flush properly or they are clogged, it is already a sign of a plumbing problem.
5. Basins and toilets should be firmly attached to its position even if you wiggled them. If the toilet can be wiggled from its place, it could be a sign of a leak, and it may need to be sealed again to the floor to avoid potential issues in the future.
6. Check the bathroom walls by pressing on them in areas surrounding the sink and tube to ensure that water is not leaking and causing structural damage.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioners Plumbing Checklist

1. Determine the location of the emergency shut-off valve and check that it is functioning correctly.
2. Check the water heater and ensure that it is free of rust and corrosion and is not leaking or dripping. 
3. Check for signs of leakage in exposed pipes. For those that are covered by walls or the foundation, inspect for watermarks in the wall, ceiling, or floor in addition to the formation of puddles.
4. Watch out for gurgling sounds from the water heater, which is indicative of sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank. Flushing the water heater may be a temporary solution. However, you should take note that if you notice this noise from your heater, it means that it is ready for a replacement.
5. If the house comes with a basement or crawlspace, ensure that it is free from damage, leaks or faulty repairs.

Final Thoughts

This plumbing checklist is essential for homeowners to avoid plumbing problems in the future.

It is any homeowner’s interest to check if everything is properly working.

The steps in the checklist should be done twice a year to ensure that potential problems are kept at bay and if any problems are detected, a professional visit should be scheduled.

Guest Post by Asad Shoaib

Green roofing brings excessive benefits for your buildings and homes.

As it is completely covered by plants and vegetables, it becomes an extremely eco-friendly and energy efficient option.

As everything comes with both merits and demerits, there are also a few negative things attached with green roofing system.

Here are both the pros and cons of green roofing mentioned for your better understanding.

Pros of Green Roofing

Let’s start with its positive sides which are mentioned below.

It Improves the Drainage System

A sustainable drainage system is compulsory to run your home successfully.

The last thing any homeowner would want to deal with is flooding and poor drainage system.

It is a huge threat which you can counter with a green roofing solution for your home. It stores a huge amount of water in its plants and vegetables, and then it gets released in the environment later in a quite natural way.

It is Eco-Friendly

Unlike other buildings, if you have a green rooftop at your home, it can contribute towards protecting the environment.

This way, you won’t feel any need to generate heat or cold artificially to pollute the environment.

It Improves the Air Quality

Air quality is continuously getting affected badly due to the emission of harmful gases and chemicals.

Green roofs do exactly the opposite by improving the air quality and reducing sulfur dioxide, nitrous acid, and other dust particles from the air.

It Increases the Life Expectancy of Your Roof

Your roof has to go through excessive wear and tear due to the rainfalls, heavy winds, storms, and temperature fluctuations.

However, if you install a green roof, it increases the life expectancy of your roof with the help of its waterproof membrane.

All you need to do is to hire the services of a skilled and professional contractor for your roofing Dearborn Michigan. who will install your roof properly to ensure that it lasts longer.

Cons of Green Roofing

There are a few drawbacks of green roofing which you should consider before making such a huge investment.

It is Costly

Green roofing is more expensive than other traditional roofing options.

You will have to invest a lot to make it able to provide a good support to your home. However, the long list of its amazing benefits outweighs the initial huge cost.

It is Quite Heavy

It has a huge weight which can cause pressure on your rooftop.

However, you can modify your roof to enable it to handle the load.

It Requires Extra Maintenance

You must take care of your green roof on a regular basis.

You can’t avoid it and expect to enjoy its benefits.

The only way to upkeep it is to water and feed its plants and vegetables regularly.

 

Now that you are aware of its pros and cons, if you really want to enjoy the green environment you also need to stay alert and conscious towards it.

Guest Post from Hubert Dwight

If you are looking to style up your home, this year’s trends give homeowners a little bit of everything.

For those who want to contribute to sustainable living, many of the newer trends focus on furnishings and appliances that promote a green platform, trends in furniture are changing as well.

The boxy furniture that defined living rooms even up to last year are being exchanged for something a little different.

If you are thinking about renovating or remodelling, trends in creating a more natural environment are also on the rise.

Skylights, which provide additional lighting, are popular, in addition to decks that can give your backyard style.

These are just a few of the trends that are defining this year’s home improvement trends.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the up and coming home improvement designs that are on trend for 2019.

Going Green

A very big trend in home improvement is renovating for sustainability.

The lighting industry is at the helm of providing ways to light homes more efficiently, mainly through natural light, LED lighting, and one of the newer lighting topics, circadian rhythm lighting, which is supposed to produce lighting that is closer to natural light.

Sustainable fabrics are another trend that relies on animal-free leather made from genetically modified yeast or worm-free silk.

Even flooring is experimenting with sustainable woods like Brazilian Cherry, Teak, Iroko, and Wenge from tropical areas from around the world.

New Colours

Different colours are always trending, but this year matte black seems to be appearing on front and back doors and on kitchen cabinets.

The colour happens to be the “it” colour at the moment appearing in many home interiors.

However, dark reds, pinks, and sage green also seem to be popular colours, which appear mostly on furniture cabinets and furnishings.

Earthy colours and neutral tones are also popular this year too.

Deck Trends

This year, there are also trends defining home exteriors and outdoor décor.

Those looking to install a new deck might find picture frame decks one way to not only stylise their exterior but a way to provide structure to the deck.

These decks typically have dark perimeters that provide the area with a nice contrast.

The purpose is to conceal the ends of the deck board so that the deck has a nice finish.

Natural Wood

Another popular trend this year is the use of natural wood.

Furnishings definitely are being featured in this colour, but natural wood flooring is trending too.

The rustic farmhouse look is one of the more popular flooring designs that uses natural wood, and then there is the sun-bleached looking grey hardwood flooring found at the boardwalk.

These flooring types, in addition, the sustainable ones discussed above are favourites this year.

Kitchens are also moving out of the predominately white floor and cabinet area with his year’s kitchens adopting a more rustic and natural appearance.

Curvy Furniture

While sectionals and boxy type furnishings are comfortable choices, this year’s trend will bring new styles including curvy furnishings.

Playing with geometric shapes, designers have introduced sofas and other lighter seating with curved shapes, which can also add style to your living room space.

In fact, for living spaces with odd layouts, this furniture might add flair for homeowners who unsure of how to style the space.

Styling Your Home In 2019

As always, this year’s décor relies on a lot of the old to make the new interesting.

Colour this year is very different than anything that we have seen in the recent past.

With a focus on sustainable materials and natural colours, some of the trends are moving toward supporting a green platform.

This year’s trends promise something for everyone and anyone who wants to touch up their style, introduce new fabrics and materials, or completely make over their home is covered.

 

 

Guest post by Hannah Jones

Most homeowners like to upgrade their lawn for it to have a fresh and new look.

A beautifully done garden will instantly make your house look well maintained.

Spending some time can add points and value to your home.

From time to time, your garden will needs a little TLC so here are some brilliant ways on how to upgrade your garden or lawn:

Upgrade your shed

Most homes have garden sheds in their backyard, but not all homeowners do use their sheds.

If you are one of these homeowners, perhaps you can upgrade it into a little guesthouse, or even a playhouse for your kids.

Start by cutting and shaping your lawn.

A garden will always look nice if it is cut and shaped.

Take away any unnecessary weeds and give your lawn an excellent shape.

You can go basic with a square, following the natural shape of your perimeter, or go adventurous by making your lawn circular while filling out the edges with garden stones.

Shaping is cost-effective improvement as you can do it all by yourself.

Do remember that your lawn is one of the first things that home viewers, buyers, or visitors will see upon arriving at your house.

Experts have found that 24% of owners found garden issues when buying a home, and most of these issues centered on ill-shaped lawns.

Plant flowers

If you feel that your garden is looking a little bit bare, you could add more greens and color to it by planting. I

t can easily lighten up the feel of your home, and gives your area a more relaxed feeling.

You can mix and match with pots and flower beds too.

A bonus tip would be to try out colorful native baskets with tassels or pom poms that you can add to liven up an otherwise dull-looking lawn.

Make space for a vegetable garden

There are numerous vegetables like tomatoes, spices, herbs, and eggplants that you can grow even with a small area in your back garden.

Doing this adds to the sustainability of your home as well.

Not only does growing your vegetables give an upgrade to your garden, but it also helps your family live a healthier lifestyle.

You are sure that your plants are chemical-free and organic.

Make space for a tree

Planting even just one tree in your garden will make it have a more cozy feel.

It also controls the heat by adding up some shade.

The tree will make you want to hang out in your garden even more.

You can choose a fruit-bearing tree so you can enjoy the harvest later on.

Having trees will also make your home look more beautiful at night, as you can hang up tree lights/fairy lights/rattan ornaments to give your house a very boho-chic and relaxed ambiance.

Clean your fence

Cleaning your fence sounds like a pretty obvious thing to do, but believe it or not, most landscapers will say that this is one of the most neglected outdoor chores of homeowners.

We often forego cleaning the fence, thinking that we don’t need to, as it can get dirty easily anyway.

Experts agree that washing your fence regularly will help give your garden the upgrade that it badly needs.

If your wall is in dire need of a paint job or some carpentry, a fresh new paint and color will jazz up your garden.

A bonus tip is to add vertical gardens using hanging corianders, tin cans, etc., on your fence.

Use colorful throws and cushions

Your outdoor space is not meant to be dull and monochromatic.

A perfect contrast to greens and your brown furniture are always bright, colorful and playful cushions.

If you are not the type to keep flowers in your home, then doing this is one of the easiest ways for you to add some color.

Install a garden hammock

Garden hammocks are a brilliant idea for the following reasons:

• They usually come in different colors, so it adds life and variety to your garden.
• If you have trees and shade, you now instantly have a place to read a book and relax in the summertime.
• Kids love it too, as they can turn it into a swing.
• It can serve as a part of an outdoor  entertainment area.

Hammocks are usually inexpensive, so purchasing one will not break a hole in your pocket, allowing you more spare change to accommodate other gardening projects as well.

Up-cycle tin cans, drawers, and even an old vintage bike as a planter

Cans are perfect for pots and planters.

You can either keep the original labels on the can or choose to repaint them with your designs – and even ask the kids to help out.

It will be an enjoyable project to do. If you’ve got an old bike around the corner that is no longer in use, you can hang flower baskets on it.

These ideas can help your garden have that breath of new life that it might badly need.

Even a simple change that you can do yourself will make a significant improvement on the appearance of your garden.

All you need is a little patience and hard work, and it will be transformed into your very own outdoor haven.

 

 

Guest post by Martin William

The desire and need to borrow money from a financial institution has crossed our minds at least once.

It’s hard to find a person who hasn’t thought about applying for a loan for a specific situation.

It’s even harder to imagine a person that doesn’t use the services of the financial institutions.

Maybe in some South African tribes don’t know what a loan is, or what a credit officer does, but we definitely live in a developed financial system and have financial needs.

The tradition of Feneration (usury in some cultures) and money lending in simpler words, has been around since the year 400 B.C.

The chroniclers describe a regular moneylender as a person sitting behind a table and offering their financial services.

But there were lots of moneylenders back then sitting behind the table. The situation has not changed.

We simply upgraded the technology and adapted our money lending with modern innovations.

Most probably get some messages and pop-up ads on your social media from banks and other financial institutions.

They are all telling you to apply for a loan with them. . . but which one to choose?

That’s the hard question to answer.

Well, we hope these 3 key factors will help you decide with the comparison of loans.

Low Interest Rate

When you are looking for a loan, you are looking for something that won’t rip you off your money at the end of the final payout.

People are always looking for lower rates, and that’s perfectly reasonable.

Think about small business loans and how they benefit your business.

You would want to pay the smallest rate to return the money, or you’d be again putting your company in a tight financial situation.

Different banks have different options for their loans.

Even a specific bank has different options on its different loans.

You need to carefully read the terms and conditions and ask your credit officer every question that comes to your mind.

Consider also this. Some financial institutions like to beautify their loan announcements with 0% interest rate.

Remember, some companies do offer customers 0% interest rate, but for the first loan, and for the first month.

It’s a great opportunity for a customer to try out the services of an institution and decide if they are compatible with their desires.

Paying off the debt early

Look into the details of early payments.

Sometimes we need to borrow some money and turns out that we didn’t have to stretch it out on one year.

Maybe after a few months, your financial state allows you to pay off the debt completely. In this case, consider looking into their terms and conditions.

Don’t let the credit contract slip away from your attention.

Read it thoroughly and see if there’s any catch.

Finance experts Max Funding say “when completing application forms for a loan, it is essential to read and understand the fine print.

Read through all the terms and conditions and consult a lawyer and your accountant to ensure you do not run into any financial trouble or get hit with any unexpected fees.

The thing is that some companies and banks offer you free early pay off and are happy to assist you with more.

Some companies have their own rules and terms and will ask for some fee, tax or a percentage of your loan to cover in order to pay off the debt in advance.

You would want to know about that.

Hidden charges

Something you should remember about financial institutions is that they love hidden charges. because many regular customers don’t bother to check the contracts and requirements to see if there are any extra costs to cover.

Hidden charges include some extra communal fees, fees for internet and mobile bank services, etc.

Make sure that your desires and needs are combined when making a decision to choose a loan and the bank.

An ad may seem attractive and appealing, but remember that conditions and requirements are most important when it comes to the final result.

 

Guest post by Asad Shoaib

Do you really care about Mother Nature?

Then, like many other homeowners, you might also be interested in reducing your homes impact on the environment.

You can easily make little changes at home to create a big difference in environment.

In addition to low-flow showers and energy efficient appliances, roofing can also be helpful and eco-friendly.

Here are some of the ways which you can use for your roofing to make your overall home setup eco-friendly and healthy.

Proper Ventilation & Insulation

If your roofing system has  good ventilation and insulation, it can benefit the environment by reducing the heating and cooling costs of your home.

The power from fossil fuels, which are used in heating and cooling processes, will also be reduced.

Thus, it will end up creating a more efficient environment inside out your house.

Day Lighting

Want to make the best use of daylight?

One option is to bring solar reflective tubes for your roofing as these spread out the natural daylight to the room below.

This way, during daytime hours, your house will be benefiting the environment by reducing electricity.

Rain Water Collection

It is also a great idea to collect the water, which runs off the roof, in water tanks or even cheap and simple water barrels.

You can then use this water for various purposes like gardening, outdoor cleaning activities, watering the lawn, and for many other house chores.

It would reduce the cost of water usage, while at the same time; you will be benefiting the environment by reducing water demand.

Regular Roof Maintenance

Do you want to extend the lifetime of your roofing?

For that, you will have to spend time in the maintenance of the gutters, roof area, and downpipes regularly. It will keep them free from leaves and other rubbish.

Once you take care of the cleaning and maintenance properly, it would undoubtedly increase the lifespan of the roofing system.

With roofing replacement delayed, it will save both the costs and material wastes.

Hire a Reliable Roofer

It’s also a good idea to hire a roofer who shares the same thoughts and responsibilities like you feel for environment & nature.

With his collaboration, you can make sure that each and every aspect of your whole roofing system is eco-friendly. I

n this regard, Roofing Dearborn MI can be a source of great help and convenience to you.

Trim the Trees Regularly

Do you want to reduce the wear and tear of your roofing system?

Well then, it’s easy and simple because all you need to do is keep the trees trimmed.

This will stop leaves getting into your gutters and downpipes..

 

This valuable advice will definitely help you in creating eco-friendly roofing system, if you use it properly.

Guest Post by Andre Smith 

In today’s busy world, getting quality rest is crucial.

As you invest in a new home, you can take the time to put your bedroom together to make it easier to sleep deeply and well.

Your Bed

When choosing the right bed for you and your sleeping partner, there are several variations that will impact the quality of your sleep. For example:

• Bed size
• Mattress stability to prevent disturbing your partner
• Pillow firmness
• Pillow size

 

It may be tempting to buy matching pillows so everything looks more consistent when the bed is made up, but if you’re a side sleeper and your partner sleeps on their back, one of you is going to be uncomfortable!

Choosing a Bed

One of the nicest things about modern mattress manufacturers is that you can test drive your mattress.

However, be aware that those test periods can vary greatly.

For example when comparing Ecosa vs Bambillo mattresses, Ecosa gives you 100 days to decide; Bambillo only 30.

Bedding

Are you a swaddler or someone who needs to sleep cooler?

If you spend your nights trying to prevent a blanket thief from stealing your covers, you may want to invest in two comforters so both you and your partner can cuddle up under their own blankets.

One of the benefits of investing in a larger bed is that you can always reach out if you’re feeling alone, but cuddle up and sleep soundly in your own space.

Doubling up on available blankets can reduce night time tensions.

Lighting: Natural and Man-Made

Windows

Depending on the street lighting near your home and which direction your windows face, it may be a good idea to invest both in blinds and in blackout drapes.

This combination can assure you of quality darkness in which to fall asleep.

Each are easily opened to let in the sunshine and fresh air when you’re ready for it.

Interior Lighting

Consider the source.

If your bedroom lamps are easily accessible or easily controlled by smart home technologies, you can quickly move from necessary lighting to darkness.

For tablet or e-reader users, there are many studies that indicate that light exposure from electronics can suppress melatonin, the hormone that triggers your natural sleep rhythms.

If you have a hard time falling asleep, reducing your exposure to blue light, such as from your table screen or from LED lighting, can help.

Noise

Some people have to have noise to fall asleep while others need complete quiet.

Sometimes a good compromise is to add a bit of white noise to your sleeping space.

An electric fan is an ideal source of white noise, and there are manywhite noise apps that you can use on your phone to add a low hum to your sleeping space.

Pathways

When arranging your bedroom furniture, set things up as simply as possible.

For example, access to the nearest bathroom should be simple, with few obstructions.

Make sure each person in the room has easy access to a light if they need one.

If your bedroom has a solid surface floor, invest in runners or throw rugs so that first step out of bed isn’t too much of a shock.

Moving into a new space can be a challenge.

Reward yourself with a bedroom set up that makes getting a good night of rest simpler.

Invest in a bed that’s large enough for everyone to have plenty of space, and be sure that the firmness level will work for both partners by buying a mattress with an adequate return policy.

Use pillows that work with your sleeping position and spine (not just your decor) keep the light level low and make sure everyone has enough blankets.

Rest well!