10 Tips for Moving to a New State

by Posted in Home Improvement

Moving out of state is exciting, but it can also be hard. When you buy a home out of state, you can expect to pay more to move and jump through extra hoops. If you’re moving to a new state, here are 10 tips to help you out.

Sell Your Current Home

You know you want to get out of your current state, which means if you own a home, you’ll need to sell it before moving (unless you plan on being a snowbird) – because we’re assuming you’re moving to a warmer state. Although traditionally selling your home can be a long drawn out process, there are new home buying companies that will provide you with an offer on your home, generally within less than one day. 

Make a plan

First and foremost, you need to have a plan before you move out of state. Plan out specific dates, including the date you plan on starting your move and the date you need to start your new job when you get settled. Another big part of this is planning the drive to your new home, know the route you want to go so you don’t get lost, have the GPS setup and many of those also inform you of any construction sites along the route. 

Downsize (Get rid of Stuff!)

Throwing things away is hard, but it’s a great way to simplify your out-of-state move. Put anything that may not fit in the moving truck up on OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace to offload old furniture, large tables, bed frames, and other items you might not need or want to move to save time on your move – and also make a quick buck to help with moving expenses in the process. Once you get to your new house, you’ll know what items you will need to purchase that didn’t make the cut.

Finding a house and a job

Before you move to another state, make sure you’ve got a house and employment secured. The last thing you want is to be stranded in a new state with no job or no place to live, so get that figured out before moving. If you’re stressing about finding a job, head over to a job site like Career Monster or Indeed – you can upload your resume and blast it out to a large number of companies that are hiring in your new state.

Moving Truck Rental or DIY

You can rent a truck and move on your own, or you can use one of the several out-of-state moving services. While you’ll typically save money by moving everything on your own, you can save precious time by hiring movers or using a moving storage container. Companies like Penske and U-Haul rent moving trucks for one-way moves, which will allow you to make the move and not have to return the truck back to the original rental facility. 

Make a budget

Moving can get expensive fast, so make sure you have a budget you can stick to. A budget keeps you from spending too much money during the move, which means you’ve got enough for bills and other moving expenses.

Pack an emergency bag

You never know when you’re going to need a first aid kit, hygiene items or food and drink when you’re on the road. Pack an emergency bag with all the essentials, that way you’ve got what you need even if you have to spend a night in your car.

Getting a new license

When you move to a new state, you have to get a new driver’s license. Take care of this as soon as possible to avoid tickets and ensure you have an ID with a current address. 

Update addresses & accounts

Speaking of addresses, you’ll need to do a change of address on any accounts that have your old one. It may be easier to make a list of all the accounts you need to update, that way you can simply check them off your list.

Keep your receipts

Moving expenses can be written off on your tax return, so keep all your receipts so you can write them off at the end of the year. If you’re not interested in tax write-offs, keeping your receipts isn’t a priority.

If you need help finding your dream home or moving out of state, there are lots of resources that can help. Make sure you take advantage of all the available resources to make your next move as simple as possible.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=172

How Much Do Custom Cabinets Cost?

by Posted in Home Renovation

Cabinets are home assets. They hold and keep the most important things for you, such as clothes, tools, utensils, display frames and figures, and even your important documents. Almost everything that you need to keep and care for is put in the cabinet. It is essential to invest in cabinets with multiple shelves to help you organize your essentials and household stuff together.

There are various types and sizes of cabinets. There are small ones for documents, and there are big ones that can hold appliances and equipment. There are standing cabinets and hanging cabinets. There are also portable ones as well as those that are mounted on the wall. Each kind of cabinet serves a specific purpose and fits in particular places. For instance, if you want to save space, you can have hanging cabinets. If you have enough household space, you can have standing cabinets. And if you wish to change the placement of your cabinet inside your household now and then, you can have portable cabinets.

A carpenter has the expertise, skills, and experience that can help you achieve a cost-efficient, durable, and highly functional custom cabinet. You can get carpenter quotes to know the best carpenters who offer professional skills and highly satisfactory service near your area. How much does a carpenter cost? It depends on the duration of service and the weight of the workload. You can pay a carpenter by hourly rate or by the project. It is wise to compare quotes to give yourself choices and ensure that you get the best professional work right on your budget.

Advantage Of Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are your best choice when it comes to choosing storage for your household. Custom cabinets can fit according to your needs and preferences. The specifications of a custom cabinet are highly dependent on your demand. You can express your style and creativity in your cabinet without sacrificing its quality and durability. Indeed, no penny goes to waste when you are able to get a cost-efficient and very satisfactory cabinet to add value to your household and keep your essentials safe and organized.

More flexible

Custom cabinets can fit any available space in your house. There are unlimited size variations, and it can fit precisely anywhere you wish to put it. They are made to fit your lifestyle, and it is up to you to choose the dimensions, style, and final furnish of your cabinet. But if you have no idea where to begin, a carpenter can help you plan your cabinet, including costing, dimensions, design, and materials that will be used. You do not need to worry about carpentry service deals because you ask for carpenter quotes to hire the best and nearest carpenter in your area.

With the help of a carpenter, you can have highly functional cabinets in the important areas of your household. You can have a well-polished and smoothly furnished cabinet made with excellent woodwork skills.

More durable

The durability and functionality of your custom cabinet are the priority; that is why skilled carpenters use excellent construction methods to make sure that the measurements are accurate and the dimensions are correct. You do not want to have expensive maintenance service along the road, and an essential aspect of ensuring durability is having a thick and sturdy custom cabinet.

The cabinet boxes should be ½ inch on the sides and ¼ inch on the back. But if you can have it at  ¾ inch and ½ inch, that is better. The drawer boxes should be sliding smoothly and neatly with a cracking sound. Of course, you can go beyond these dimensions as long as it fits the space where you will put your cabinet. Lastly, the shelves should be ¾ inches thick. These standard measurements are not new to a carpenter, and their skills and expertise can create a cabinet with accurate dimensions that suit your needs.

Custom Accessories And Details

The best things about a custom cabinet, aside from specified dimensions, are specified accessories and details. There are designated standards of measurement which you can go beyond and add intricate details that suit your preference. Custom accessories and details include cabinet handles, the style of the door opening, and the functions of the shelves. You can have shelves without covering, with a sliding cover, dorr-type cover, or with panels.

A carpenter can help you choose the correct details and accessories for the style of cabinet that you will choose. You can also rely on him when it comes to visualizing the cabinet that embodies your preferences. All of these cabinet accessories and details will be specified during the planning and costing. Make sure to communicate your preferences but make sure that it is reasonable. After all, a carpenter will bring out the best in the custom cabinet that you envision.

Invest In Professional Work

Whether for your new house or a part of a renovation plan, your custom cabinets are one of your most significant home investments. Of course, you want nothing but the best when it comes to adding value to your home and improving your quality of living. It is best if you invest in professional work, and the best woodwork skills you can rely on are a carpenter’s skills. 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=171

4 Renovations That Will Transform Your Swimming Pool

by Posted in Home Design

As you upgrade your home, one of the areas that is likely to be left out is the pool area. Just like other areas of your home, the pool gets worn out too. Why does your pool need attention too? This is the place you get rejuvenation after long tiresome days, it might also be where you host guests and it also contributes to the overall appeal of your home. 

If your pool exhibits dry ambience, has leaks and old systems and it is no longer trendy, this is a call for an upgrade. With the help of pool remodeling Tucson experts, here are some upgrades that will transform your pool area.

Installing LED lights

Is the poor lighting in your pool blocking you from enjoying your evenings and nights in the pool area? Well, installing LED lights will give it an impressive transformation. Not only will these lights save your energy by about 75%, but they will also add to the ambience while ensuring lighting is adequate.

To make the view even better, you can install LED lights that change colors to create a light show in your pool. This is a  good way to revamp a swimming pool that is out of trend, while at the same time enhancing safety.

Add some stone coping around the pool

Stone coping around the swimming pool will give it a great face lift. Stone coping has greater ambience compared to concrete. More so, it is safer that other materials like tiles which are slippery to walk on. Stone coping comes in a wide range of options and designs allowing you to achieve your preferred aesthetics. 

Compared to other materials this gives a distinct charm that also makes your pool look expensive and elegant.

Automatic leveler

An automatic leveler will detect when the water levels in the pool are too low and trigger a refill up to the optimum level. Whey do you need an automatic leveler? For one, it will give you peace of mind as it will eliminate the constant worry of whether the water levels are okay. Note that too low levels can cause damage to the pool equipment which can be expensive to replace. 

It will also go a long way in protecting your yard from flooding caused by overfilling. It also has an aesthetic benefit as it eliminates the need to have hoses floating on your pool (hoses can be a hazard too).

Tile replacement 

Broken and old tiles are not only unsightly, but they can cause injury or damage to the pool. This is one of the priority areas of remodeling that will instantly change the appearance of your pool. Retiling with updated and attractive tiles will enhance the overall appearance of your pool area.

Conclusion

As you remodel your home, do not leave your pool out. It gets worn out too, something that will not only cause inefficiency in energy use but can also be a hazard. Do a remodel to eliminate these worries and also enhance the ambience of your outdoor space.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=170

5 Creative Ideas for Renovating a Nursery Room

by Posted in Home Design

The first room that a child experiences is the nursery. It prepares them for their future as they learn how to sleep, play and even walk in this new space. The nursery should be filled with items that will encourage a child’s curiosity and imagination.

Nurseries are also a place where many parents choose to decorate for baby showers, so it is important to keep in mind how this room could transform over time. It’s also helpful to consider the different types of nursery beds, storage and lighting.

We’ve rounded up five design ideas that can help you get inspired for creating your perfect nursery room.

light source that matches the style of your child’s bed

If you are planning to use a convertible crib, go ahead and purchase one with a canopy. Place an overhead light fixture that matches the bed’s style, then switch it on each evening before your little one falls asleep.

If you plan to use this room as an adult guest space in the future, think about investing in lighting styles that will complement your décor and fit in with other items in your home.

n area for rocking and comforting

If you plan to use a crib until your baby is ready for a toddler bed, it’s helpful to create a separate space that is solely dedicated to comfort. This may be as simple as adding an armchair next to the crib or creating a special reading corner in the nursery.

Peel and stick Wallpapers

Use Custom wallpaper that is peel and stick wallpapers to add color and texture to the walls, then carefully paint over them with a low-odor paint. Peelable wallpapers can be great  for nurseries as they can be repainted and redecorated over time.

Decor that expands their horizons

Children’s rooms should be decorated with items that broaden their horizons, like a mobile that includes images of the moon and stars or an area rug with an interesting pattern. These are only two examples of how to transform this space into something special. Use your imagination and decorate this room with items that will encourage your child to explore while they are still very young.

Lighting and storage containers that parents can use in other rooms

It’s a great idea to add lighting and storage units that can be used in different parts of the house when you are finished using them in the nursery. If you have the budget, you may also want to look into changing tables with storage space.

style that reflects your personal taste and is easy to update

It’s important to decorate a nursery room in a style that showcases your personal tastes, but is also functional. You can do this using wallpapers for nursery. It’s helpful to go with basic colors and designs for this room as you will most likely be updating the space every few years.

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https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=166

October Mood: Dark Walls

by Posted in Home Design

What is it about October that makes us all want to hang out in dark cozy spaces. I believe it’s the combination of Halloween and candlelight flickering against the walls that casts alluring shadows plus the cooler weather and daylight savings time that brings the night faster.

What I notice with dark painted walls is that gold or brass glisten beautifully, wood textures come alive, and shadows are more dramatic. These examples will tempt you to paint your walls  a shade of deep green, blue, charcoal, or black.

villa betula 

the future kept

arazi levine design 

source unknown

colette wallpaper – the pattern collective 

shop mohd 

ideal home uk 

studio mcgee 

eche martinez 

hotel st vincent 

deuce city henhouse

vernich interiors

horchow 

apple and oak

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https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=152

Oregon Road Trip Highlights

by Posted in Home Improvement

I spent the first week of August exploring the state of Oregon, a place I had never been to before even though it’s my neighbor to the north. On my road trip, I stopped in Ashland, Portland, Hood River, and then drove the entire Oregon coast home all the way back to California.  It was a lot of driving but I wanted to visit my northern neighbor by car to see the mountains, rivers, and explore the towns.

I had to make my way through several northern counties in California before crossing the border. The golden plains turned to hills and then mountains covered in forests as I made my way toward the Pacific Northwest. It was almost dusk as I crossed the border into Oregon where I stopped on the side of the highway to photograph the “Welcome to Oregon” sign as semis whizzed past me at high speeds almost blowing me over.

At sunset I arrived in Ashland, Oregon and I had just enough time to make a last seating for dinner downtown. I dined under globe lights in an outdoor cafe and while I ate I struck up a conversation with a local theater manager. She offered me a quick walking tour of the town after dinner, pointing out various sights I should see during daylight. Friendly locals always have the best tips and remind me of the kindness of strangers.

The next morning I set out on foot to explore the town in daylight and snapped a few photos with my phone. Ashland is known for its theater productions but I will remember it for its small town charm. Highlights: the interior of the historical Ashland Springs Hotel which will transport you to another time, and the very cute shops and restaurants next to Lithia Park.

After soaking up the parks, cafes, and shops I headed north to Portland. I didn’t get to spend anytime in Bend, which I’ve heard is really wonderful and in hindsight I wished I’d budgeted an extra day to see it.

Arriving in Portland my immediate impression was the opposite of Ashland. It was big, crowded, and confusing to navigate. I checked into the Hoxton hotel and headed to the rooftop bar to relax with tacos and sunset views.

 

I loved the interior of this hotel, its decorated with a cozy mid century vibe (see more pictures here) and it was a cozy place to relax and have morning coffee.

 

I explored Portland on foot for two days. They take pride in their local motto “Keep Portland Weird” and I had mixed feelings about Portland downtown, but I found some spots that were cool like Pioneer Square and the Pearl District.

In Portland I discovered (and I had been warned) that the city struggles with a serious homeless population. The downtown areas are covered in tents and there were a lot of transients walking around. It’s tragic and those of us who know San Francisco are acutely aware we have the same problem. I don’t know the solution but I do know it impacts the vibe of a city.

The highlights of Portland for me were popular Powells Books, the Saturday Portland market, and my outdoor lunch at Luc Lac kitchen. My most favorite stop was my hike through Washington Park to the zen Japanese garden, it was so beautiful and worth the long walk to that side of town and uphill hike through the park.

 

I left Portland and headed east to Hood River, a town I’d been wanting to see since reading about it. The drive east is beautiful, winding through the Pacific Northwest along the Columbia River, it’s hard to keep your eyes on the road with such natural beauty all around!

Hood River looked like a place where they’d film a Netflix series. You know they type: a few charming downtown streets filled with shops, cafes, and breweries, surrounded by craftsman style homes, where life moves slowly and it feels like everyone meets for coffee every morning and knows everyone in town.

I rented a private room at the best Airbnb that was decorated with such cute and quirky furnishings and decor.

I had two amazing experiences in Hood River, the first was whitewater rafting with ZooRaft. So much fun! As a solo passenger I was partnered with a really cute family and spent a few hours riding rapids and drifting down river with them. It was one of the most pleasant travel experiences I’ve ever had, being on the water riding through a canyon surrounded by beautiful forests.

Hood River is a place where there are a lot of outdoor adventures: windsurfing, kayaking, and hiking, no wonder it’s such a happy place to be!

Another highlight was the Gorge White House, a stop recommended to my by my cousin. This farm had orchards and flowers and delicious hard cider, I highly recommend this place if you’re ever in Hood River!

I left Hood River and followed the Columbia River to the coast. What a beautiful drive!

I took two days to drive the Oregon coast home, it was a long but another extremely scenic drive. I started in Astoria where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean and turned south down Highway 101. Astoria has a really cool maritime museum and a really cute downtown where I stopped for an early dinner at a great brewpub.

I stayed for a few hours then headed down a gently winding highway to stop in Seaside for dinner and to sleep for the night.

I could tell why Seaside was a vacation destination. It had a very cute downtown and beautiful beaches! I stayed at the chic Saltline Hotel for the night and was lucky to catch a beautiful sunset.

I stopped in Cannon Beach for a quick walk along the beach and to check out the famous rock. It was crowded with tourists and I could see why, Cannon Beach felt like it was straight out of a movie with its shops, manicured gardens, and seaside homes with stunning ocean views.

I stopped briefly in Depoe Bay to check out the views and grab some coffee. Wow what amazing vistas!

My final stop was Newport where I had dinner by the waterfront where all the locals enjoy amazing seafood.

My favorite coastal towns along Highway 101 were Seaside, Cannon Beach, Depoe Bay, and Newport! Thank you Oregon, my neighbor to the north, for showing off your scenery!

My  trip to Oregon had highs and lows. Travel isn’t always rainbows, but knowing that I still do it for the new experiences and vistas. Travel always teaches me something and I come back with stories to tell, like the motel where I was scammed! I made the mistake of not checking reviews and ended up at a total dump that used fake pictures to advertise and had no room available when I arrived. Thankfully I got my money back but that wasn’t a pleasant experience.

 

This road trip was a solo adventure. I’m lucky that Matt is the kind of person to say to me “go, explore, have fun!” while he handles the family obligations. When I travel solo I have a lot of freedom and solitude and I gain clarity being alone with my thoughts. I also have an opportunity to meet locals and strike up conversations with strangers I might not talk to if I was traveling with others.

Exploring new places makes me feel alive, and I always return from a solo trip as a relaxed, inspired, more evolved version of myself.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=100

Top 8 Kitchen Design Trends To Watch Out For

by Posted in Home Renovation

Are you looking for a new kitchen design for your home in 2021? This is the perfect time to update your space to fit your personality. However, if you aren’t sure how to change your kitchen, look at the design trends below for some insight.

Natural Look

Wood is a natural look that is truly timeless. Updating the kitchen with wood accents is a great choice. With many wood textures, finishes, and species, you have a ton of options. Replace your cabinets with wood ones for a considerable change.

Floating Shelves

If you need extra storage, consider modern floating shelves. This is a great kitchen design option that gives you functional space for storage. It’s fun to look at and completely practical.

Extra Colour

Even adding a new coat of paint can transform the kitchen. If you want an easy accent, add some colourful paint. Look for complementary bright colours and paint the walls and cabinets in different hues. 

dditional Textures

Textures in kitchens are becoming popular. It might sound complicated, but all it involves is a little creativity. For instance, wooden cabinets, tile floors, and stone countertops work well together to add texture.

Stunning Fixtures

All the small fixtures can also come into play with kitchen design. Large lights can add elegance or new faucets can make the space more modern. Think about accents, colours, and more.

Modern Metal Materials

Adding metal to the kitchen can make it more modern and sleep. Stainless steel faucets, appliances, and other fixtures offer a dose of shine in any kitchen. A silver, copper, or gold backsplash will also work well.

Exciting Backsplashes

Everyone has backsplashes in their kitchen today. Bold designs and colours are the newest way to make them stand out. Add some texture and personality in a simple kitchen design product. 

dded Storage

If you have lots of appliances, consider more storage. For example, a large cabinet can hold rice cookers, instant pots, and air fryers. You could also install a cabinet with pull-out shelves for all the extras.

When you are considering a new kitchen, make sure you have an expert kitchen design team by your side. They can help you decide the best way to rejuvenate the space and make it somewhere you want to spend all your time. 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=99

Learning to Fix Your Own Water Heater

by Posted in Home Improvement

Having hot water is one of the most vital resources a homeowner can have. Taking showers, doing dishes, and washing clothes all require this valuable commodity.

Water heaters can malfunction at any time with no warning. Learning to troubleshoot problems with your water heater can be a lifesaver.

If you’re unfamiliar with how to navigate your water heaters system, it’s okay. We’ve got a guide on learning how to fix your water heater. 

Troubleshooting Your Water Heater

Listed below are some of the most common problems you can encounter with your water heater. Keep reading to find out simple solutions for these problems.

Thermostat Issues

If the water in your sink or tub is too hot or too cold, there could be a thermostat problem. Testing the thermostat with a voltage meter can let you know if the component is faulty.

Dripping Valves

Does the hot water in your home not last long enough? This could be a problem with dripping valves or fixtures.

Use a wrench and check all the connections on the pipes and hoses around the water heater. Ensure everything is tight and locked correctly.

Puddles Under the Water Heater

You may have found a puddle of water under the heater unit. Is it a leak or just condensation?

If you’ve recently installed a new water heater, condensation is present on many newer models. Monitor your water heater as it turns on.

Condensation tends to build up after the first few minutes a water heater turns on. Approximately one half-gallon of vapor can form from the unit powering on. 

Winterising

Is your water heater freezing when the temperatures get cold outside? Frozen water heaters can cause severe malfunctions. 

The heater may require extra insulation around the main unit. If this doesn’t seem to help, consider purchasing insulation for your pipes. 

Recognise and Diagnose

Pay attention to how your water heater functions. Get familiar with the noises it makes and the cycles it goes through. This ensures your ability to notice small changes that could lead to bigger problems later. 

 

If you simply can’t fix it yourself, consider investing in a brand new water heater from your local plumber

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https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=98

DIY: Faux Marble Candle Holders

by Posted in Home Improvement

I have this thing with the wood aisle at Lowes. They have a great selection of short poplar pieces in various sizes and they always inspire ideas, like these table leg candlesticks from last year and these basket planters a few months ago.

I spied a chunky 3×3” piece and thought, hmmm, if I wrapped that in marble contact paper I bet it I could make them look like a high end marble candle holders but on the cheap. I liked this style but wanted a trio in different heights.

These candle holders have a high end look but were really cheap to make. I wrapped wood cut at different lengths with black marble contact paper and topped them off with spray painted copper caps to create them. (Compare to versions like this and this that are way more expensive.)

To recreate these here’s what you need: one 3x3x48” poplar square; black marble contact paper; 3/4” copper caps; gold spray paint, black spray paint (optional); spray adhesive; super glue; sanding wedge; scissors; miter saw.

I found the 3x3x48” poplar square but you could also use 2” square or 3” round circle pieces too!

 

The copper caps I found in the plumbing department, the 3/4” size fits standard taper candles. There are various kinds of copper pipe connectors and caps in the 3/4” size, I chose the simple cap for my project.

Trim the blocks to desired height, these are 5”, 6 1/2” and 8” height. Sand the edges to remove any roughness.

I spray painted them black thinking the contact paper would stick better to painted surface instead of raw wood. Here they are without the contact paper wrap and these look good too!

Of course you could paint them any color and add the copper cap top in its raw state or painted a contrasting color.

A larger group of these wood candle holders would make a great Halloween candelabra!

The faux marble surface is created by wrapping the blocks like a present.

The one thing about contact paper is it has an adhesive back but to make it stick better, unwrap the block and give it a light coat of spray adhesive for greater adhesion then rewrap.

Wrap the long sides first then trim the edges and fold them over the top and bottom.

I spray painted the copper caps with gold leaf spray painted and super glued them to the top. Voila!

An easy project for adding faux marble decor to your space! You could use the same contact paper to create bookends, cover trays or desktops, planters and canisters too!

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https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=85