Dating your older home

Dating your older home can be an almost overwhelming task. Where to begin? While you might start with the visual clues I am going to suggest another route, following the paper trail first.

Head to your local city hall or county record office and go to the building department. Any time that a building is sold or renovated there are records. 

The tax department is also another good municipal office to visit. Taxes are not new; municipalities have been collecting them for a long time. Follow the paper trail of records back as far as you can. This gives you a place to start in your dating. You will now have the name of the original owner or at the very least probably a descendant of the original owner. Your deed is probably the best clue you have.

Talk to your neighbors. They may know about previous owners and some of the history of your home. If you are lucky they may be able to help you to make contact with some of the previous owners.  Look for houses in the neighborhood of similar design and construction. By speaking to the owners you may be able to help date your home.

The next step will be to look for clues in the house itself. If you have an attic, go there and try to find a nail. Nails can be a great clue. These were not mass produced until around 1820 and went through many evolutions during the 19th century. Pull out one of the nails and look at it, is it a handmade nail? Then your house is older than 1820. If it is a mass produced one you may need to look at others. Be sure that the area you take the nail from is from the original structure, not a later addition.

What about a basement? Does yours have a dirt floor and brick walls or is it poured concrete? While the poured concrete may be a latter addition it is an additional clue. Does your house have fireplaces? More than one suggests that they may have been used as a heat source. Check the kitchen area for evidence of former stove pipes.

How is your home heated? Are there steam radiators? They were invented in 1852; this may be a helpful date. Do you have lights that show conversion from the original gas? Is there original wooden detail such as crown moldings, chair-rails, window frames and mantles? These can help not only date your home but identify the room's original purpose.

Don't overlook the exterior of the house. Roof pitch, type of roof covering and chimneys can also offer valuable clues. If possible look down into the chimney, the number of flues tells you the number of fireplaces. You may even uncover one you didn't know you had.

At the end of the day, there is no guarantee that you will be able to accurately date your home. All you can do is follow the paper and architectural trails and see where they lead. You may end up with a best guess scenario but the hunt will have been a wonderful adventure. Dating your older home is more about appreciating it than the actual date.

Picking the best dog breed for your family

Picking a dog breed for your family is a big decision. A visit to the local animal shelter or humane society provides the very real evidence of many bad choices that have been made by other families.

All breeds are not a good fit for every family. If your family lives in an apartment, a Newfoundland or a Jack Russell Terrier may not be a good choice, for different reasons. The former is very large and the latter is very active. Pay a visit to the American Kennel club website and research any of the breeds that you are considering. It may be the best decision you will ever make.

Take the time to assess what your family wants from a pet, where you live, the amount of time you are willing to put into training your pet, and how well these dogs interact with children. One thing that adults need to keep in mind before getting a family pet is, no matter what the children promise before you get the dog, chances are the adult is going to end up being the primary caregiver. Be sure you are willing to commit the next 10-15 years to a pet before you bring it into your home.

Where you live

Some breeds of dogs are lethargic, others are highly active and need to be walked long distances, be allowed to run in the open and generally are very high energy. If you and your family live in a high rise in the city, this is not a good breed to choose. When active dogs don’t get enough exercise, they often cause major problems in the home with behavior that is hard to control.

Breeds that are family friends and do well in an apartment are Chihuahuas, Pugs, Basset Hounds, Bichon Frises, Boston Terriers, Bull Dogs, Boxers, German Shepherds, Collies, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Boston Terriers and Cocker Spaniels. Keep in mind however that many of these breeds do like to have outdoor activity so walking the dog and visiting a dog park will need to become part of the family routine.

Family-friendly breeds that will do well with lots of space and are better choices for homeowners or renters are Shetland Sheepdogs, Schipperke, Corgi, and Irish Setters to name just a few.

Age of children

While some dogs may be fine with older children, they can be totally inappropriate for younger children. When choosing a breed, remember that toy breeds are quite fragile and the dogs can be hurt by small children. Also, large breeds may be very child-friendly but because of their size, may not be safe around toddlers and small children who they may accidentally knock over. All of the breeds listed above will do well with children of almost any age. Beagles are also very family friendly and poodles can do very well with older children.

Allergies

Many children and adults have allergies to dogs. Often what they are allergic to is the hair that the dogs shed. Finding a breed which does not shed can in some cases overcome this problem. Poodles and poodle hybrids fit into this category. This includes Labradoodles and Cockapoos both of which are also very family friendly.

Many families opt for a mixed breed dog and this can work out especially if you know the parents of the dog. Each dog is an individual just as people are and the fact that they are a family- friendly breed is not a guarantee that this particular dog will be good with children. I have a peekapoo and he is the gentlest dog with the grandkids and we have had him for almost 13 years through 10 grandchildren.

Many factors other than breeding go into the personality of a dog including how well they are socialized as a puppy. If you have the time to train and socialize a dog yourself, then getting a puppy can be a good idea. A great deal of patience is necessary, however, considering that puppies often like to chew and can be quite destructive if left to their own devices.

As you can see, choosing the perfect breed of dog for your family takes time, research and patience. The rewards are tremendous however and understanding the consequences of a bad choice can make every member of the family aware of just how important making a good decision is.

Negotiating the price of a home

Buying a new home is a huge investment. For many people, it is the biggest investment they will ever make. Negotiating the price of a home is not something that many people have experienced. It can be very stressful to try to make sure that the best price for a home is reached. 

Before beginning the negotiating process it is important that the buyer has all the facts. Several important pieces of information are vital to know before you begin negotiating. Most important of all is the average price of homes selling in this neighborhood.

Prices in one part of town may be very different from prices in another part of town. Some neighborhoods are very popular and others, not so much. The market conditions will also determine where to start the negotiating process. In each market, it is important to know who has the advantage, the buyer of the seller.

Conditions are different from one community to another and while prices may be falling in some markets, they are holding steady and even rising in others. How long is it taking the average home to sell in the neighborhood where you are looking to purchase a home?  Are homes selling quickly, above asking price or are there a lot of homes for sale?

If a Realtor is handling the sale,; they will be able to provide comparable sales prices for houses in the area. If there is no Realtor, then it falls to you to do the research yourself.  The MLS  (Multiple Listing Service) can be very helpful as can  realtor.com.  

Many variables need to consider when comparing prices; it isn’t just about square footage. Be sure to consider the age of the homes, the lot size and if there have been updates done. Things such as updated kitchens and bathroom can significantly affect the sales price of a house. 

Is one house on a busy street, near the airport, abutting open land that may be developed.  Also be sure that the homes you are comparing are in the same neighborhood, it is often about location, location, location.

Once the comparable sales prices have been looked at, it is time to settle on a price that the house you want to purchase is worth in today's market.Having determined the home's real worth it is now time to determine a starting point for the negotiation. Keep in mind how much you want to spend as well. 

Start lower than where you think you should end. Unless there are other buyers making offers at the same time as you, don't start at the asking price. If you want any concessions, keep that in mind when considering where to start the negotiations.

Knowing what is non-negotiable is important. If you have no money for the closing costs, then you can ask that the seller contribute either the full or partial costs. A successful negotiation will go back and forth a few times until a figure is reached that both the seller and the buyer are happy with. 

Not all negotiations go well. Some sellers have not accepted the fact that their home is not  worth what it was 10 years ago. At times when it just isn't going to be possible to reach an agreement. One great tip is to never become emotionally invested in a home until the negotiations are complete. It gives you a stronger position to have the attitude there will always be another house out there.

Negotiating the purchase of a house can be a nerve-wracking proposition. If you do your homework and know your real estate market, you stand a better chance to have a success result.

Preparing for retirement

Preparing for retirement should start as soon as you are old enough to start working. There was a time when you could expect to receive a pension from your employer in addition to your Social Security payments to help make your retirement financially secure. Times have changed, and it isn't just the recent downturn in the economy that has caused this. Many employers stopped funding pensions as long ago as twenty years ago. It has now fallen to each individual to take their retirement planning into their own hands.

With the loss of company funded pension plans, many employers turned to 401(k)s and 403(b)s to allow their employees to save for retirement in a tax-exempt format. Some employers have matched some or all of the funds that their employees are placing in their personal retirement accounts.

If your employer doesn't provide any pension benefits you are not without resources, the Roth IRA still allows you to save your money before taxes in your own personal retirement accounts. There are websites that can help you plan for your retirement.

Most experts say that you should need about 70 percent of your current income in order to be able to maintain your current lifestyle once you have retired. The fact that people have a much longer life expectancy than in years past must also be factored in when you are planning.

The first thing you must do is to figure what your current income is and what 70 percent of that is equal to. You then have to understand what you will be receiving from any pension and social security that you are entitled to. The problem with this is that we can no longer count on Social Security being around in 30 or 40 years when we need it. We need to have a backup plan.

There is more than just pensions and 401(k)s to consider when planning for retirement. You must take a look at medical insurance and how you are planning to fit that into your budget. After the age of 65, you will be eligible to participate in the Medicare Plan. There are many options available these days so it requires a lot of research to find the plan that will be the best for you.

Another aspect that will be of vital importance in retirement planning will be where you will be living. Will you remain in the home that you're currently live in or will you sell this home and move to another location? Some seniors enjoy living in a senior's only community and others move south to escape the colder northern winters. Will you want to retain your current home and add a vacation home? These are all things that need to be figured into the plan for your retirement.

With the number of people who are living longer than ever, it is conceivable that as you are going into retirement you will be also caring for aging parents. By the same token, there are many people who are headed into retirement at the same time they are raising grandchildren or helping to support their adult children.

Planning for retirement requires a multifaceted plan and there are many things that need to be considered. If you are now totally confused, it might be a good idea to see a professional who can give you the advice that you need to make sure that you go into your retirement in as financially strong a position as possible. No matter what you may have to face in the future.

Why weatherstrip your home

Why weatherstrip your home? There are several very good reasons for weather-stripping. First, it will keep you both warmer and colder, and second, it will save you money. Weatherstripping will help you make your home more energy efficient.

Heat and cold are most likely leaking out of your home. Start by assuming the culprits are is your windows and doors. Look for obvious leaks, places where you can see light around your window or door frames. On a windy day stand in front of your windows and see if you can feel a breeze. These are signs that you need to add more weatherstripping.

You can begin by caulking your windows both inside and out. You can buy exterior caulking that will match the color of your siding and be invisible. For basement windows you can purchase plastic window well covers that fit right up underneath the siding and cover the entire window. This can be a huge energy saver for your basement. You also want to seal any leaks you may have around exterior spigots and around your dryer vent.

The entry door to your house is a primary source of energy leakage. If it is possible on these doors you want to use metal tack on weather stripping. Metal stripping is much more durable. You want to make sure that your door is as tight fitting as possible. This may require that you remove your door and add shims between the jamb and the frame. Adding a felt strip on the exterior of the door will also help seal the door. Always examine your door carefully to make sure that you cannot see any daylight anywhere around the frame.

With your windows, you also need to check for leaks. 

Most windows have some sort of weatherstripping if you are feeling the leak you need to remove the old stripping and replace it with new. Foam weatherstripping and self-adhesive stripping that fits on the bottom of the window on double hung windows and on the sides of casement windows are available.

In your rooms, another way to plug up the energy gaps is to add insulation to your electrical outlets on exterior walls. They are made to fit right underneath the receptacle covers and can stop any drafts and heat loss.

These small repairs should result in significant savings if they don’t result in the level that you want or expect then it may be time to consider doing an insulation audit to see where your energy is being lost.

Creating a media room in your home

Creating a  media room is a hot new trend in home improvement. A media room is very desirable, not only does it help you enjoy your home more but it also maximizes the value of your home. Without spending huge sums of money, you can make your house stand out in the housing market and in today's market that is a must.

You may be under the impression that in order to have a media room you need to be rich. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Your media room can be very small and very simple and if you can afford it, you can create a home theater. What you create should be the right thing for your home and your family.

Assuming that you are just the average family with the average home, you can turn a spare bedroom or your basement into your media room. The main thing to keep in mind is that a media room needs to be warm and comfortable.

The first thing you want to determine is what you want for a viewing screen. You can find plasma and flat screen TV's in a wide variety of sizes and the good news is, the prices have come down in the last few years. If you have a larger room, you may want something as big as six feet but in a smaller room, fifty inches or there about should be adequate.

If you are using the basement you may want to add tiles to the walls and ceiling to help improve the sound quality. For the floors the best covering is a thick carpet, dark colors are preferred. Windows should have a double covering because light is not a good thing in a media room. You will need subtle lighting so that you can see what you are doing.

Other components  can be  added to complete your media room. You should have a DVD player and you will have an amplifier and speakers so that you can have surround sound. If you have limited space you can mount your speakers on the walls and your amplifier and DVD in a media cabinet.

Overstuffed pieces  are the perfect furniture for a media room. You want to be able to relax with  your family and get comfortable. They are also very good at absorbing sound. Limit any other large pieces of furniture or wall hangings especially glass as they can interfere with the sound. Decorating with posters, especially movie posters is a great way to carry on the movie theater theme.

You may want to add a small wet bar or have a portable fridge to hold cold drinks. A popcorn machine is always welcome and now all you need is to decide what you want to watch tonight.

As you can see, there are many ways that won't cost you a fortune to have a media room in your home. Even if you decide to convert a section of your family room into your media room, you are going to enjoy some great family or friend times.

Saving money on cleaning products

The current economy has made consumers take a good look at where their money is going. You want to be able to save money on everything you purchase in order to build up your nest egg. Is it possible to lower your house-cleaning costs? Yes, it is, here are a few tips to get you started.

Housekeeping products are a necessity but if it comes to milk or bleach, milk will win every time. How are you supposed to purchase the products you need and still stay on your budget? Coupons are one of the first things that come to mind. Check the weekly fliers for coupons to help lower the costs. If you don't find a coupon in the flyer, there are several websites where you can find additional coupons.

Many grocery stores double coupons, you need to do your research and find out when and where. Watch for your favorite products going on sale and try to combine your coupons and the sale for extra savings. You should also check the prices at the discount chain stores in your area, they usually accept coupons and are often less expensive than the grocery stores. You can stock up when your favorite items are on sale, it won't go to waste.

Don't always assume that bigger is cheaper. Check the per ounce price. It may come as a surprise that often the smaller sizes are a better buy.

Make your own spray bottles of cleaner. You can take your favorite cleaner and mix it with water in a spray bottle and you will save an amazing amount of money. You can use your old spray bottles or buy new ones at the discount store, just be sure to label what is in each bottle. For window cleaner, you can mix white vinegar with water or ammonia and water both of which work very well.

Store brands are always an option. Check the packaging to make sure they contain the same ingredients. Tide is one product that you may want to buy even though it is a brand name. It has the ability to remove most stains and that can result in big savings on clothes that don't have to be thrown away. Make your detergent go farther by using only half the amount recommended on the package. It works just as well as using the full amount and lasts twice as long. This tip came from a Maytag repair man.

Use the same philosophy for dryer sheets, cut them into four pieces and it gives plenty of softness and no static cling. When it comes to dryer sheets, always use the cheapest generic brand you can find.

Use an in the tank constant toilet cleaner. This means that all you have to do is brush the bowl several times a week and never need to add anything to it. A quick wipe with a cleaning cloth takes care of anything that is not inside the bowl. The cost is only pennies per week.

Bleach is one of the least expensive cleaners and it can be used in a multitude of different ways. Mixed with water it is a great cleaner. You can use it to disinfect your kitchen sinks and drains weekly. A $2.00 bottle goes a long way and they now have bleach with citrus and floral scents that are a lot less harsh on the senses.

Using half the recommend amount of cleaner also works well in the dishwasher. It is the steam and the heat that is cleaning the dishes, not the detergent. Give it a try, you will be pleasantly surprised. This is another area where you should always use coupons and shop at the discount chains especially when they have a sale.

You don't have to settle for less to save money, you just have to shop smart and be a bargain hunter. A few simple cost-cutting steps can make a big difference in the savings over the period of a year.

A sparkling clean bathroom in 20-minutes

Having a clean bathroom is something that is important to just about every housekeeper. Unfortunately with today’s busy schedules, doing an in-depth cleaning can seem impossible. If you have 20 minutes, you can have a sparkling clean bathroom.

Organize your cleaning products

Whether you use anti-bacterial products or natural, all-organic products, it is vital to this 20-minute cleaning process that all your products are together and ready to go. A carrier or a bucket works well to keep your products in one place. You will need a spray bottle of cleaner, glass cleaner, a toilet brush, scrubber on a handle, toilet cleaner, wet floor mop, rags or sponges and paper towels.

Things that can cut the time

If you use a product in your toilet that automatically cleans the bowl with each flush, this can reduce the toilet cleanup time. There are a wide variety of these products, some of which are placed in the water tank of the toilet and other in the bowl. There are also automatic sprays that can spray your shower after each use.

Begin, 1 minute

Do a quick run through and remove anything that is on the floor. If the bath mat and towels need to be laundered, remove them from the room. Empty the garbage and place the pail outside the room.

Toilet, 3 minutes

If you use a product to keep the bowl clean, it will just need a quick swish with the brush close to the rim. If you don’t, then apply your toilet cleaner close to the rim and move on. This allows it time to work and you will come back to brush, wipe down the rim, seat, tank and outside of the bowl. Keep a separate rag or sponge just for the toilet or use special sanitary wipes.

Shower-tub, 8 minutes

Spray the tub and shower. Allow the spray to work, come back in 5 minutes. Start from the top and wipe down the walls and then the faucets and finally the bottom. It is a good idea to wear Crocs or some other light waterproof shoes so that you can stand inside the shower or tub to work. If necessary, use the scrubber to remove any stubborn soap scum.

Mirror, 2 minutes

Spray the mirror with glass spray or vinegar and water and wipe down. Take a minute once a month to open the medicine cabinet and throw out any outdated products.

Bathroom sink and vanity, 3 minutes

Spray the faucet and sink. Quickly organize items on the top of the vanity. Wipe down the sink and faucet and use the same method to wipe the vanity top, front, and sides.

Wash the floor, 2 minutes

If you have a floor cleaning tool with removable wipes, this is the perfect way to clean the bathroom floor. After it has been wiped down simply throw away the dirty pad.

Use the last minute to place fresh towels on the racks and replace the garbage pail. You have now cleaned your bathroom in 20 minutes. If you have any extra time, once a month you can wipe off the base boards, dust the ceiling and lights and wash the window or windows. This process works well on most average size bathrooms.  Using this method will help with making quick work of bathroom cleaning.

How to clean a mattress

The average person spends almost one-third of their life in bed. Given this fact, a clean mattress that smells good  is something that is very important to promote a good nights rest. Learning how to clean a mattress is important.

When it comes to having a clean mattress, the type of cleaning being done will determine the best method to use. Is this general maintenance of the mattress or has there been an accident to the mattress?

Maintenance

These days many mattresses especially those with pillow tops are made to never turn over. Just because it does not have to be turned over, does not mean that the mattress should not be cleaned both on the top and the underside . Start by making sure that there is plenty of room to walk all the way around the mattress.

A vacuum cleaner with a hose and an upholstery attachment will help to remove the loose dust and dirt. Lift the mattress off the box spring and vacuum the box spring first. Once the box spring is clean then move on to vacuuming the mattress itself. Having a vacuum with a HEPA filter can help to clean a mattress and get dusty allergens out.

Vacuum the bottom of the mattress and while doing that check for any areas that may be stained. In order to remove the stains, it helps to know what the stain consists of, as different stains require different methods of cleaning.

Stains

A small portable steam cleaner, this can be very effective in tackling some of the stains. Otherwise, use a solution of laundry detergent and water applied with a sponge or rag. Scrub the stain directly trying not to get the mattress too wet. White vinegar works well on some stains if a green approach is preferred. If it is a pet stain, there are specific products that help remove the stain and the smell associated with pet urine.

Whatever method is used to work on the stains, the mattress must be allowed to dry thoroughly before it can be used again. If the mattress does not smell as good as it should, try sprinkling it with baking powder and allow it to sit for several hours. Re-vacuum the mattress to remove the baking soda and there should be a marked improvement in the smell. There are also mattress sprays that can be applied, a light scent such as clean linen is a good choice or lavender to help with relaxation.

One way to cut down on the amount of dust and stains that get into the mattress is to use a mattress cover. These are not just plastic, they can be cotton or they can be a waterproof material covered with a cotton so that they are much more comfortable. Especially for a small child’s mattress, a waterproof cover is a good idea.

It is now time to remake the bed with fresh sheets and enjoy a great night’s sleep. Cleaning the mattress needs to be done on a regular basis to keep the mattress fresh and clean and to help it to last as long as possible. Knowing how to clean a mattress will help to accomplish this.

Retirement: Things to consider before you retire

It is never too early to start thinking about retirement. Many things have to be considered and some of them involve long-term plans and others can wait until it is imminent. A few basic things can make the difference between a great retirement and a nightmare.

• Can you afford to retire?
• Are you ready to retire?
• What are your plans for retirement?

In order to get your retirement right, you need to do the basics in reverse.

~Your retirement plans

You need to know a little about what you plan to do with your retirement in order to know the amount of money you will need to make that plan come true. Do you see yourself retiring to Florida or some other warm weather state? Do you own a home? Do you plan to continue to own a home or do you plan to sell your home and move to an apartment or condo?

Do you plan on continuing to work part time or do you want to travel around the world? How is your health? Will you be able to afford to pay for your medication when you are no longer on your employer's health care plan? These are all important questions and they are ones that you should be asking yourself and also discussing with your financial adviser.

~When to retire

At what age do you plan to retire? When will you be ready to retire? Are you eligible for Social Security? Social Security can be collected as early as 62 years old at a reduced rate. Do you have a pension and at what age can you begin to collect it? Many pensions become available at a reduced rate at 55 years old. 

If you are ready to retire will you have medical coverage or will you have to pay cobra or purchase medical insurance on your own? Are you old enough to be able to use Medicare? Medicare is available at age 65. Do you still have a lot of debt? Is your home paid for or do you still have a mortgage?

~Getting to your goal

What will it take to be able to retire at the age that you want to? First, now that you know what you expect from your retirement you need to calculate the amount of money that it will take to have the lifestyle that will make your retirement a pleasant experience. You need to calculate the number of years that you have left until you retire. 

You then need to take into account everything that you have already in place. What is the current balance of you 401(k) or 403(b)? Do you have additional savings? Do you have an IRA or a Roth IRA? Do you have investments? What exactly is your current worth and what can you anticipate as your future worth?

~The plan

No matter what your current age, you need to have a plan, that is the one basic requirement of a retirement plan. It is never too early or too late to start to save for retirement. The benefits of saving some of your money in a tax-exempt account are many and also the Roth IRA which allows you to pay your taxes now and still save for your retirement. The key to a happy retirement is to have a diversified plan. 

The amount of risk that you can live with depends on how diversified your investments are. When you are young, risk is acceptable, the older you get, the more secure your investments need to be.

These days it is foolish to trust that you will be able to retire with only Social Security to count on. Talk to an estate and financial planner and let them give you some advice about where you should be today if you want to have a secure retirement tomorrow. One thing you can count on is that there will be inflation and no matter how much you think you need, you probably need more.

Related articles:

Why you can benefit from a 401(k)

How to prepare for retirement

Creating space in a small bathroom

Many homes have a small bathroom. It can be a challenge to find the space which is needed in a bathroom. If you use the space that you have wisely you will find that there is more space available than you may have originally thought. When it comes to creating space in a small bathroom it takes creativity.

Some things are permanent and you may not want to replace them. The tub or shower is one of them. If however you are doing a total redesign, consider going with a smaller tub, they do come in 4.5 feet and though it doesn’t seem like much, the additional six inches can allow for additional storage. If you don’t need a tub, a shower takes much less space and can be a great space saver in a small bathroom.

If your small bathroom has a vanity, you may want to replace it with a wall mounted or pedestal sink. This frees up a lot of floor space. You can also cut down on the size of the vanity. Though, the loss of storage is an issue.

With a small bathroom, space is at a premium. If you are currently taking up valuable space with a hamper, it might be time to move that to a bedroom or to the laundry room. Another option would be to have a hamper that attached to the back of the door, this will free up floor space and use a space that is probably under used.

Take a look at your wall space. This is space that is often not taken into consideration. If you have a mirror on the wall over your sink, you can replace it with a cabinet with shelves that has a mirror on the front. This way you won’t lose out on your ability to do your grooming but you will be able to store all your toiletries out of sight.

Another location that is underused is the area above and behind the toilet. There are cabinets that can be placed there as well as racks that can act as a linen closet or a place to store the extra rolls of toilet paper. The racks usually have legs that go onto the floor on either side of the toilet. These come in a variety of materials from wood to wire type materials. They also come in lots of sizes, some have all open shelving and others have some closed spaces.

If you have a tub and are lacking in space to store your additional towels, you can buy a wall rack where you roll them and they will be at your fingertips when you need them. Your toiletries can be stored in a basket with a handle that can be hung from a rack that hangs over your shower door or stored in a basket on the back of the toilet tank.

Space will always be an issue in a small bathroom. You need to be creative to utilize every bit of it that is available to you. There is more than you ever suspected.

If you are looking for bedroom storage ideas check here.

Making the most of the space in your closets

Whether it is the coat, linen or bedroom closet, closets can become overloaded and disorganized. Companies such as California Closets will organize your closets but it will pay a pretty penny to own one of their organization systems. If you are low on cash does that mean that you are doomed to chaos and disorganization? Not if you are creative.

Linen Closet

In the linen closet, sheets, pillow cases and towels need no organization other than being folded in a similar size so that they can be piled. It is the bulkier items such as blankets, extra pillows, comforters and the like that cause the linen closet to look messy.

Purchasing a few Space Bags can turn all the mess into a neat pile in a flash. The air is removed from the bags and they take much less space and can be piled. They are air and waterproof and keep things fresh and ready to use.

Coat closet

The majority of the organization of the coat closet is done with hangers. Depending on what you want to hang — whether it is a coat, jacket, sweater or other outerwear — it is necessary to have the correct hangers.

A wooden hanger is a good choice for heavier coats. For lighter items that may lose their shape, padded hangers are the best option. They keep the shoulders from being pulled into awkward shapes. Because shoes are often stored in a coat closet it is also wise to have some sort of shore rack as well to help organize. 

Inexpensive shoe racks are available at many big box stores. For scarves and hats, hooks that attach to the wall cost as little as $1 and offer a lot of alternative hanging space.

Bedroom closets

Most bedroom closets have a shelf above the bar that holds the hangers. This is a great place for organization. Open baskets or boxes can hold a variety of smaller clothing items or a change of bedding if the linen closet is located a distance away from the bedroom. They can also be used to store scarves, purses,and other small items. 

These boxes or baskets can be purchased inexpensively at discount stores and thrift shops. The same hooks used in the coat closet are also useful for handling purses in the bedroom closet. To increase your space, hanging shelves can greatly increase the amount of storage space. These are available at a reasonable price at IKEA.

Shoe organizer bags which can attach to the door or the bar in the closet are also available. Clear plastic storage boxes are just a couple of dollars and are perfect for storing shoes and other items. Buying good hangers is not necessarily cheap but when your clothing needs to be protected, being stingy with the hangers may be penny-wise and pound-foolish. It is better to pay a little more to protect your investment.

An organized closet does not have to cost a lot of money but it does, however, require some thought and planning. The expense can be very small compared to the cost of the items stored within.

Choosing the perfect interior paint

When it is time to refresh the interior paint in your home, you have lots of choices. Not only are there lots of different brands and color but there are many different finishes. You can opt for paints that are environmentally friendly with little or no VOCs or you can opt for paints that combine primer with the paint for quick and easy application.

For a general overview of, interior paints there are a few basic types. Most ceilings are painted with a paint that is specific to ceilings. It is usually white, flat and water-based. For walls, you have a lot more choice. Paints come in flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and high gloss finishes.

Some paints include texture in them and others combine primer and paint. For painting floors, decking paint works unless it is a concrete floor and then concrete paint is the way to go. Paint also comes in water-based or oil-based. Most people opt for water-based interior paint because clean-up is so much easier.

Flat paint

Flat finish is probably not the best choice for areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and stairways where you need to wash the walls frequently. It is the least wash friendly finish and if over washed will come off.

Eggshell

The eggshell finish has just a hint of luster. It is a popular choice for trip work such as baseboards, window frames, and doors. It can take a little washing but again, for areas you need to be able to wash frequently, it isn’t the best option.

Satin

Satin is one of the most popular finishes. It is washable but cannot take scrubbing. For walls and trim that need to be washed frequently, it is a good option, Satin finish works well in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, family and playrooms. It is shinier than eggshell or flat but not a shiny as semi-gloss.

Semi-gloss

For those places where you need to be able to scrub the walls, semi-gloss is a popular choice. It is shiny but not high gloss and works well in kitchens, bathrooms, woodwork and doors. Any place where little or large fingerprints and dirt require frequent washing.

High Gloss

High-gloss paint is exactly what it sounds like: very shiny. It is the most washable and there is little that can’t be washed off. It can be overwhelming in large doses, however, so is not the most popular choice for entire rooms.

When it comes to latex versus oil-based paints, according to Bob Villa, professional painters prefer oil-based because it takes longer to dry. The longer paint takes to dry, the fewer brush marks that show. For the average home DIYer, however, oil-based paint is harder to clean up after and has a much stronger smell that can linger for a while.

If you thought the hardest part of picking your paint was going to be the color, you now must realize that color is probably your easiest choice. There is more to choosing the best paint for your room than just which shade you prefer. You need to consider the different kinds of paint used for interior painting and what will suit your needs the best.

Increasing storage in the bedroom

Storage is always at a premium in the bedroom. Especially when you have to share your bedroom it can become quite crowded. In an ideal world, you would all have walk-in closets with limitless storage but that is only a dream for most people. There is no need to despair however, there are quite a few little tricks that you can use to increase the storage in your bedroom.

Closet organizer

A good closet organizer can maximize every bit of space that you have available to use in your closet. There are different ways to accomplish this and the size and configuration of your closet will determine which one is best. You can get a custom closet organizer which can run into the thousands of dollars or you can use a website to help you design what you want. You then go to the local big box hardware store and purchase the pieces you need.

You can also go to IKEA and purchase some very inexpensive options that allow you to have more room in your closet. Don’t forget to look up in your closet, the top shelf is often neglected and can provide a lot of extra space.

Reach in organizer

A reach in organizer is a unit that doesn’t need a closet, it just needs a wall. What this means is that you can turn one of your blank walls in your bedroom into a storage unit for everything. It can have hangers and drawers, shelves, cubbies and ever a dresser. If you have an empty wall this can double or triple your storage space.

Under bed

Under your bed is one of the most forgotten places for storage. You can purchase a platform with drawers included. This allows for great storage for off seasons clothes and for extra bedding, blankets, and pillows. If you don’t have a platform you can use container storage under the bed. There are storage units that even have wheels so that they can roll under the bed easily.

Over-the-door

A variety of different types of organizers can go over the door. This is unused space and takes up no floor space. Doors are a great place to store shoes. Some of these units are metal and the shoes hang off of the rack. Others units have pockets that hold the shoes, either way, you can store many pairs of shoes this way.

Another way to use your door is with a hook. This allows you to hang things off of your door.

Shelves

Anytime you add shelves you add lots of storage opportunities especially if you place storage boxes on this shelf. This can be quite beautiful. You can buy pretty boxes at stores like Marshalls and Homegoods. These storage boxes come in lots of sizes and shapes.

Furniture

You will have all the usual furniture in your bedroom but if you want to increase storage a bench that opens up can add a lot of additional space. Using an antique wooden trunk at the end of your bed not only increases your storage, but it also gives you a place to sit when you put on your shoes.

These are just a few ideas to help you increase the storage in your bedroom. Get creative and you will be able to use these tips for increasing storage in your bedroom to give you all the storage that you need and want. Make this a part of your regular bedroom redecorating. 

Choosing a name for your new puppy

When you get a new puppy part of the fun is deciding just what you are going to name that puppy. There are some families who pick a name for a dog and then forever after, this is the name for any new dog they get. Others are more into trendy names and will name their puppy the hot new name for that year. Naming your puppy is almost as important to many people as naming their children.

If you are having difficulties, there are websites that can help you. Dogtime.com lists the top 100 most popular dog names to give you a little assistance. If you are looking for a unique name for your special little friend, Trendy puppy has some choices that may be of interest to you.

If you want to name your puppy without resorting to website or trendy suggestions, what should you do? Here are a few tips for good old fashioned puppy naming.

Color

What color is your new puppy? Anyone over the age of fifty remembers reading about Dick and Jane’s dog, Spot who was, spotted. Many blackies, brownies, and blondies have been chosen over the years.

Royalty

It seems that we treat our dogs as if they were aristocrats because some common dog names are King, Duke, Queen, Prince, Lady and Princess. Since many dogs do rule their kingdoms, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that the choice of names should reflect that.

Affection

We do love our pets and our puppies are no exception. The names that we choose often reflect that. This includes Honey, Baby, Lovey, and Bella.

Nationality

There are many breeds that include a nationality such as Irish Setters and Russian Wolfhounds. There is a tendency to choose a name matches the breed. Fifi is a very popular name for French Poodles and Otto for German Shepherds.

Named after current stars

There are many people who like to be trendy. You can bet the Snookie is a very popular name right now as are Sarah, Brad, and Angelina. It can be a movie star, a sports star or just someone who is in the news a lot.

Size

Size is a funny thing, you can name a small dog Tiny, but it is also just as common for a large dog to be called Tiny and a little dog to be called Moose.

Food

I had to include this category since it seems that I chose my pet names from this category. I have Beaujolais, Brie, and Honey. One of our puppies which Kasey took is Ginger. I wanted to keep in the same theme with the other one that she took which was a boy but I ran out of ideas and named him Boru after Brian Boru the Irish King. (historic figures are always good choices as well)

These are just a few hints for how to name your puppy. At the end of the day, it just may be that you name themselves by their behavior. Your timid little dog may become Killer and your big floppy lab pup may just be Daisy. No matter what name you choose for your puppy, this bundle of joy is going to be the newest member of your family and you are going to just adore them, almost as much as they adore you.