Facts About Moving Insurance and Guarantees

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Why You Need to Check the Insurance

Prior to hiring a mover, acquire written details of the insurance coverage offered by the moving company. Likewise check the length of time you have to file the insurance claim. When you're already fussed out on the moving day, a few damages may escape your attention. 90 days is the standard length of time for filing an insurance claim.

Also verify if your homeowner’s insurance will cover the move. If you have anything especially valuable—such as a priceless antique or a one-of-a-kind art piece—you must ask about special coverage.

The movers would give you with an enumerated waybill after loading the truck. It’s a good idea to have your own list, which includes details of the number of boxes taken from each room and every item not bundled in a carton. Then you can countercheck your list with theirs. Your personal list is a great way to safeguard your belongings.

Why Guaranteed Delivery is Worth the Expense

If you must get your items picked up and delivered on specific dates, spend for a guaranteed delivery. This actually does not guarantee your delivery, but it obliges the mover to pay a fine—averaging from $125 per day—plus expenses for you to stay in an inn if the date specified in the contract is not met.

© 2011 Athena Goodlight

Tips on Hiring Movers

When you have decided that you are to move to a new location, you may be contemplating if you will do it yourself or hire professional movers to lift and transport all your worldly possessions. It is undeniable that you will have less expense if you handle the move with some help from relatives and friends. You may spend less than $200 if you rent a moving truck and do the loading yourself. Compare that versus typical fees professional movers charge: A local move involving a couple of miles may cost around $200 to $300. A long-distance move, which needs the service of international movers may cost $500 and up. Factors such as the quantity and kind of furniture, the number of stairways the movers should manage at your new home, and other matters could affect costs. If you own a grand piano, you should get professional piano movers for this task.

If you are moving to a nearby location, you may choose a smaller, local firm. Smaller moving companies might quote lower rates than the bigger moving companies bearing nationwide distinguished names.

Although you choose to hire a professional mover, there are ways in which you could still save money by packing and unpacking the items yourself. Just be sure to initially check with the moving company. Some moving companies give out do-it-yourself packing guidelines, which could specify the type of packing materials that should be used. Some may define certain rules for packing that needs to be followed before the moving company will take on liability for damages.

© 2011 Athena Goodlight

Flower Projects: How to Dry and Press Flowers

Flowers you have picked from your garden or from a bouquet you have received may be dried and pressed to create pretty items to give as presents, tokens, or simply to make your home look nicer.  The moment after they're in full bloom is the period to gather the petals, leaves, and twigs. You may preserve them and fetch them out as dried materials until you are prepared for your dried flower craft projects.

What flowers are ideal for pressing?

Rose petals,  holly leaves, chrysanthemums, Johnny-jump-ups, an variety of multicolored leaves, twigs, blades of grass, and some lobelia blooms are just a few of the suggested ones to use. Geranium buds and leaves and the rest of tall-growing plants should be gathered in autumn. Some fernlike plants in your garden could be used for decorating Christmas cards.

How to Press Flowers 

The easiest way to press flowers is still the traditional way.  Simply lay the materials on a piece of paper towel, cover with another piece, and place it in between heavy books. Pile additional books on top, or use bricks to weigh it down then leave it undisturbed for a week. This way, long before you need them you already have a bountiful supply of dried and pressed garden blooms once you're set to do some crafting. Pressing flower is a fantastic way to delight the yields of the garden two times over.

More on flower crafts:

How to Dry Roses and Other Flowers

Using Pressed Flowers and Leaves Creatively

Flower Crafts: Step by Step Instructions on Drying Flowers

Candle Crafts: Decorating Candles with Dried Flowers

How to Wire Flowers for a Wreath

© 2011 Athena Goodlight

How to Prevent Car Theft

Here are some pointers on how to avoid or at least lessen the risk of becoming a car theft victim:

Find a Good Car Lock System

The cheapest hindrance to car theft is to lock your car and remove the keys. Leaving the keys inside the car, especially in conspicuous places such as the dashboard, invites danger.  A better option is having a plastic duplicate of your key set built into a credit card-size plastic sheet that fits in your pocketbook. These duplicate keys can be bought from car parts stores available for various car makes.

Set Up A Car Alarm System

There are numerous types of electronic car alarm systems or a combination of alarms/fuel starvation systems.  Generally, the systems could cost around $150 to $300. The alarm systems function by disabling the car or sounding an alarm-or both-when the driver's door is unlocked and an override button is not triggered. The override is concealed from the thief's vision. These systems are effective, but only if you remember to set the alarm as you leave your car. (And you should not forget to set the switch when you return inside the car, or you will activate the ear-piercing warning signal.) To get proper security, you'll have to place a detector on each door, not only the driver's door. That would cost additional expense.

Car alarm systems may sometimes come at a discounted price, so shop for the best bargain. To get the most savings, you may even install the system yourself, but do this only when you are reasonably experienced in dealing with the mechanics of the car. You can also purchase through mail-order ads in reputable car magazines or buy your car alarm systems online. At the least, acquire a system that activates your car horn (or a very loud warning signal) and flashes your headlights. There are alarms are barely audible in heavy traffic.

Cheaper alternatives to alarms are steel bar locks that fasten onto your steering wheel and occasionally the brake pedal. The car won't move until the bar is unlatched or drilled free. These will not stop car nappers, but it'll slow them down.

Avoid Flamboyant Accessories

Occasionally car accessories, and not the car itself, are the objects of theft. The high end sound system, for example, is a favorite; so are the detachable roof parts on T-roof cars. Faux radio fronts can be bought to cloak a high-priced model. High-performance tires and aluminum-alloy wheels are also often stolen-keep them fastened securely on with key-locking lug nuts, available at auto parts stores. Do not buy a car having flashy accessories if you will be regularly parking in unsecured or a high-crime location.

© Tip Writer

DIY Car Maintenance Tips

Car maintenance must not be disregarded by car owners.  A lot of money, energy, and time can be saved just by being aware of certain techniques that can extend the usage duration of your automobile.

Frequent oil change

It is always beneficial to frequently change the car oil and oil filter. Cab and rent-a-car owners change both every 3,000 to 4,000 miles of use. For regular city use,  it is recommended  to change oil every 7,500 miles and change oil filter every 15,000 miles.

If you are confident enough and have the right tools, you may do the work yourself and thus save money.  Changing the oil and filter will take only around 15 minutes if you're used to it. If you double the frequency of oil changes over the initial 100,000 miles, you may spend about $100 more, but your engine will last years longer than expected. The option is an engine rebuild, which might cost $1,200 or more, or just buy a new car. If your chassis requires grease lubrication, do it together with every oil change.

Tire Maintenance

Buy a tire gauge and an air pump. Tire pressure needs to be checked every month and add air when needed. Properly inflated tires could last twice longer than under-inflated ones. If you rotate tires, keep radials on the similar side as you go from front to back.  Front tires of cars with front-wheel drive wear out faster than the back tires. Some tire dealers will rotate tires free of charge for their tire buyers which would save you $22 to $35 annually.

DIY Preventive Maintenance

Some auto parts just wear out.  Be aware which ones would, and the expected time they're likely to so that you can change the component before your auto breaks down. Doing this will save a $60 to $80 towing expense, you could choose the auto-mechanic of your choice, and you could even purchase the auto part at a discount price.

Bring Spare Parts

If you're planning to have a road trip vacation, take some spare parts along: a headlight, fuses, accessory drive belt, antifreeze, tube patch (for hoses), and a spare tire. If your car goes with just an irregular spare, consider acquiring a used tire of similar size and kind from a salvage yard, but make certain it would fit in your car's spare tire compartment. Also bring jumper cables, to save you the need to phone an expensive service truck.

© Tip Writer

How to Get the Best Carpet Deals

Carpet flooring is an investment that will last for many years. Besides being decorative, it offers sound and heat insulation plus it increases the resale value of a residence. Be acquainted with the carpet style you're planning to buy. Inquire about workmanship, appearance, retention, strength, twist, and density. Since artificial light can dull some colors, take home samples and view them in your room to see how they appear in both daylight and lamplight.

Carpet Prices

Carpet prices are set per square yard, more high-priced carpets are denser, better constructed, and available in more designs and weaves. The texture and kind of fiber you select determines how your investment endures. The more springy the fiber, the better the carpet will appear over time. Look for tightly twisted threads and a pile compact enough to make it tough to uncover the backing.

Nylon Carpet

Nylon is the sturdiest synthetic fiber as well as the most popular material for carpets.  It has excellent color retention, volume, and softness. Most nylon combinations are easy to clean; some newer brands are treated to be especially dirt and stain resistant.

Polyester Carpet

This type of carpet has good feel, dyes easily, is non-allergenic, and is reasonably durable. It is inferior to nylon in matting and stain resistance.

Acrylic Carpet

Resembling wool material, acrylic carpets are crush resistant and soft, but other combinations pill with wear.

Olefins/Polypropylene Carpet

This type of carpet is colorfast, strong, and longer-lasting. Most indoor-outdoor carpets are constructed from olefins/polypropylene.

Wool Carpeting

Wool has a warm, natural appearance and feel. It's also very durable and fire resistant. However, its colors are generally not as vivid as the synthetics, yet this classic is still the most expensive.

Carpet Budget

Evaluate your carpet budget, then purchase the finest quality you can afford. Don't scrimp on high-traffic areas; fast wear out can render it uneconomical. Make certain that the price on wall-to-wall carpeting includes carpet installation and cushioning. Also find out who will do the job and how it is guaranteed. Installation fees do not vary much; it should be the carpet itself you must invest in.

© Athena Goodlight

Furniture Shopping: How to Get a Good Buy

A growing number of people are beginning to enjoy staying at home. In the first, place, it's a place where you find comfort. However, even staying home can be costly especially if your  appliances and furnishings are of inferior quality, waste a lot of energy, or simply unfit for your lifestyle.

It is possible to furnish your residence in your own stylish way without overspending. Whenever you go shopping for furniture ask yourself, "Is it suitable for your home in size and style? Is it sufficiently versatile to be used somewhere else in the future? Is the price competitive compared with like items? Will it last as long as it should? Find out further on shopping smart, saving money, and getting the most from your appliances and furniture.

Ideal Shopping Seasons
Unlike appliances, home furnishings still maintain the usual December-to-February and June-to-September sale seasons. During these sale months, they drop the prices of beddings, mattresses, furniture, lamps, and rugs at furniture stores and showrooms. Naturally, the experienced shopper could find marked-down merchandise at any time of the year at clearance centers, which are managed by major furniture and department stores.  Many would require cash payment and the purchased furniture is for pick up on (delivery may often be arranged for a certain fee).

Price is not All
Don't rely on  price alone when evaluating a piece of furniture.  Read labels and inquire about features you couldn't see. Don't immediately shun nice veneered construction (a layer of one wood bound to a lesser-quality base). Although it is termed as veneer, it does not imply it's inferior. The layered structure is actually stronger than solid wood, which can warp or break.

Shop for the Future
If you can only afford one furniture, select one that's sufficiently versatile to be used for a long time. Invest in quality furniture for the rooms where you will spend a lot of your time. Get the best couch you can afford, even if you sacrifice some budget for other frills. Place function and comfort foremost and you'll find out that aesthetic lines and symmetries need not be top-of-the-line. All the same, like in building a classic wardrobe, the smart shopper purchases a few fine pieces that will endure rather than selecting cheaper but badly made and ill-designed items.


© Athena Goodlight

Loft Residence Decorating and Design Ideas

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Residential styles of living have diversified greatly during the decades. Similarly, lofts have undergone tremendous transformations in function as well. From being industrial edifices, these structure have been developed into the most fashionable habitats of free-spirited and modern suburbanites, artists, skilled home entrepreneurs, or simply any person or family in need of a larger living space.

Residences in well renovated old buildings are sought after by many suburban residents now. The growing need for loft residences, give building contractors and real estate investors opportunities to profit from this trend. The attractions of a loft home include uncovered brick walls, high ceilings, large space, and architectural details. To add to the comfort, no outdoor gardening and lawn mowing skills are needed in loft living.

Numerous beautiful residential lofts nowadays were previously old factories. Today, the first impressions of lofts are of space, brightness, and comfort.

Loft space allows you to combine different furniture styles. A modern, overstuffed, single-color couch can blend with a lacquered table, an antique drawer, or an old chest. A wooden armoire can stand-in as a closet. Add warmth to concrete floors with hemp mats. On the ceiling, expose metal pipes to put emphasis on the contemporary industrial look; extend this industrial motif to the kitchen area using stainless steel and brushed aluminum accents on sinks, appliances, furniture and kitchen accessories.

Loft buyers love the concept of openness with no walls and no doors (except for the bathrooms!) type of home home.  Furniture can be huge and comfy to pair up with a few striking modern art pieces.

Rent a loft if you think you like to give loft living a try. You may also redesign your home to create a lofty look.

• Use only simple yet functional window treatments. Bamboo blinds, wooden horizontal blinds, or customized Roman blinds are great for this intention.

• Putting up open kitchen shelves is an easy yet smart way to showcase your china collection and beloved pieces.

• Put up a large shower stall in place of your bathtub area to create an illusion of a larger floor space.  Set a two-thirds wall of glass instead of using a shower curtain as a division of the shower from the rest of the bath to keep the visually open look of the bath area.

© Athena Goodlight