(NewsUSA) - The COVID-19 pandemic and historically low mortgage interest rates have caused a flurry of home buying across the United States. Families are searching for more flexible work or learning spaces, larger homes and spacious yards for cooped up kids.
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(Family Features) Now as much as ever, your home may be a sanctuary for all kinds of expression, from thinking and dreaming to working and playing. Over the past year, homeowners began to consider the intersection of function and design in new ways.
(Family Features) Kitchens and bathrooms remain among the top picks for homeowners looking to upgrade because their functional contributions to the household can’t be overstated and they typically provide high return on investment.
(Family Features) With many homeowners seeking to renovate or reshape the look of their homes, one common project stands above many others: painting.
(Family Features) For many travelers itching to go on vacation, 2021 offers plenty of opportunities to get out and go. Whether it’s heading to an outdoor escape or simply cozying up with loved ones while enjoying beautiful surroundings, vacation is on the minds of many.
(Family Features) Wellness is at the forefront of nearly everyone’s mind, including keeping germs at bay and creating surroundings that promote mental and physical health. Even small, but important, spaces like the bathroom can benefit from changes with wellness in mind.
(Family Features) People are spending more time at home, where their living spaces have become classrooms, gyms, offices, restaurants and more. The additional time at home provides a unique opportunity to make changes to create healthier living environments.
(Family Features) Children develop their identities right alongside their abilities to crawl, walk, talk and recognize letters. There’s also a common misconception that children are “colorblind.”
(Family Features) Celebrating the talented Black actors and filmmakers in the TV and film world is an easy and enjoyable way to commemorate this Black History Month. Among those noted stars is Vivica A. Fox, a leading lady in numerous blockbuster films.
(NAPSI)—If your home is like most, one of the biggest sources of energy consumption is the HVAC system, and that can be expensive. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Energy reports, families can cut their energy bill by as much as 20% to 30% simply by doing proper equipment maintenance. Air duct cleaning, for instance.
Understanding HVAC
As air recirculates through the system, contaminants build up in the ductwork and other components. Dirty HVAC systems work harder, use up to 30% more energy to heat or cool the home and are more likely to need replacing sooner.
What To Do
Replacing filters can help to maintain air ducts, however, filters can’t catch everything. Having your home’s air ducts properly cleaned helps your HVAC system run more efficiently by removing debris from mechanical components.
The most effective way to clean the HVAC system is through source removal. This requires a professional contractor to place the system under negative pressure using a specialized, powerful vacuum. While the vacuum draws air through the system, brushes, air whips and compressed air nozzles remove any debris that might be stuck to interior surfaces.
Contacting A Contractor
To be sure you’re getting a qualified contractor so the job is done right, use one who is certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). That organization offers a handy Homeowner’s Guide to Air Duct Cleaning with helpful tips for finding reputable contractors and an online directory to find a nearby NADCA member with advanced training and certification in HVAC system cleaning, at www.NADCA.com.
(Family Features) Now that many homes also double as offices, entertainment centers and even classrooms, the colors, sights and sounds you surround yourself with on a daily basis can play a critical role in fostering a positive mental space.
(Family Features) Devoting a little time every day to care for yourself can go a long way toward protecting the health of your heart. Simple self-care, such as taking a moment to de-stress, giving yourself time to move more, preparing healthier meals and not cheating on sleep, can all benefit your heart.
(Family Features) As Americans continue to spend more time at home, it’s important to support the health and comfort of those living spaces. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces is an important step, but one often overlooked aspect of a home’s health and comfort is its air quality.
(Family Features) COVID-19 has challenged families in different ways, and many had to cancel or reschedule trips during the pandemic due to travel restrictions, which meant missing out on quality time with loved ones and the mental health and self-care benefits of going on vacation.
(NewsUSA) - Residential real estate provides one of the most basic human needs -- shelter. When the world shifted to 'everything from home' due to the pandemic, that place of shelter took on many more identities. The home is now the focal point in many of our lives, representing where people work, shop, school and exercise.
(Family Features) Although grass and vegetation typically goes dormant during the winter months in most parts of the country, you may pay the price come spring if you neglect your lawn completely during the offseason.
(Family Features) When cold winter days keep you inside, you may find yourself bored with your surroundings. Waiting for the sun to make its next appearance can provide the perfect opportunity to give your indoor spaces a fresh and appealing mini makeover.
(Family Features) Often positioned near the primary point of entry, mudrooms are a popular addition to many family homes. These organizational dynamos are the perfect place to catch muddy boots, backpacks, sports equipment and dirty paws before they make it all the way into the main living areas.
(Family Features) Whether you’re a novice just learning to cultivate a magical display or an avid gardener with years of experience, early planning can help bring this year’s spring garden to life.
(Family Features) Many homeowners still find themselves stuck at home due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With all the extra time spent indoors, some homeowners are re-evaluating the space they occupy and turning to remodelers to help them safely and effectively complete home improvement projects.
(StatePoint) While no one wants to dwell on worst-case scenarios, the last year has in many ways illustrated that there are no certainties in life. Preparing your home to handle a wide range of emergency scenarios will offer you peace of mind now and keep your family safe in the future.
(BPT) - The pandemic has changed the way many of us think and feel about home. More than ever, it has become a place of refuge, safety and comfort in an uncertain world. The need for our dwellings to be sources of both physical and emotional well-being has never been stronger. Architects and designers looking to maximize the unique and personal qualities of a residence — the subtle factors that turn it from a house into a home — have long recognized that specifying wood offers a natural means of achieving that goal. Now COVID-19 is making that strategy even more attractive to savvy homeowners.
(Family Features) Adding additional bathroom space to your home or renovating an outdated lavatory can improve your home’s usability and increase its value, too. To get the most practical benefits and value out of your new space, there are several factors to consider.
(Family Features) A homeowner’s motivation for taking on a remodeling project can vary greatly, but there’s one universal rule of thumb: home upgrades should add value, function or both. This step-by-step guide can help ensure you get the maximum return on your investment and make the most of your remodel.
(NAPSI)—People are increasingly concerned about dirt and germs these pandemic days, but many are neglecting an unseen area where airborne contaminants can lurk: the air ducts.
Even in the cleanest house, the indoor air system can recirculate dust, dirt, and particles from renovation and remodeling projects.
Why It’s Important
Your home’s heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system pulls air from your rooms; filters, heats or cools it; and sends it back out again.
Unfortunately, the average home generates 40 pounds of dust a year, so the filters can’t get every speck. They get clogged and can send contaminants back into your home. This can lead not only to unhealthy air—a particular problem for children, seniors and those with respiratory or autoimmune conditions—but higher energy bills as well.
What To Do
Fortunately, it can be easy to have clean ducts when you turn to a reputable, certified HVAC professional.
Where To Turn
Making it simple to find one is NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association). Its members comply with a code of ethics and meet the organization’s high standards. For a list of certified, nearby professionals, visit www.nadca.com.
(BPT) - Americans spend roughly 90% of their time indoors where the air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Homes contain a number of unwanted particles such as dust, dander and mold. While invisible to the naked eye, indoor air can also contain viruses and bacteria, which can live on surfaces and become airborne. When coupled with the contaminated outdoor air that creeps its way inside through ventilation, your home can be floating with pollutants.
(Family Features) More than 30 million Americans, including nearly 10 million children, have eczema, the umbrella term for a group of noncontagious, inflammatory and painful skin conditions marked by an itchy, rash-like appearance. Because one of the most challenging aspects of eczema can be its unpredictability, the National Eczema Association (NEA), designed an app to help people and parents easily track what’s important and make sense of it.
(Family Features) A lifelong diagnosis like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may feel overwhelming and confusing, but by working closely with your health care providers, you can work toward managing the disease and improving your quality of life.
(NAPSI)—During 2020, for many Americans, home and work lives saw a major shift as people turned living space into workspace—and classrooms, and workout areas and even quarantine zones—resulting in a call for help to organize, downsize and streamline to professional organizers and productivity consultants.
Expert Opinions
In response, for January, GO (Get Organized and Be Productive) Month, the yearly celebration of all things organized and productive, the National Organization of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) reached out to its more than 3,000 members to find out what their 2020 was like and what they anticipate for the new—and hopefully better—year. The survey shows a majority of members say their clients have a new or increased focus on being organized, because of the pandemic.
“Our members saw a busy 2020, as families struggled to adjust to a new normal,” observed NAPO President-Elect Amy Tokos, CPO who said more than 64 percent of survey respondents saw an increased focus on organizational and productivity needs due to a new COVID-driven norm. “Whether it was about recreating a home environment that worked for every family member’s new needs to turning a temporary work area into a permanent one or maximizing their digital capabilities and, in some cases, actually moving to a brand-new home, 2020 was all about looking at our environments with fresh eyes as our needs changed.”
Surprising Suggestions
The survey also found that NAPO members, who routinely handle a wide range of client requests, were asked to take on some very unusual tasks in 2020, including:
•Organizing one client’s 387 pairs of shoes
•Overseeing the sale of a large collection of mounted animal heads and stuffed animal bodies
•Arranging the sale of 400 Steiff teddy bears
•Staging a tree house for a client putting their home on the market
•Packing up a client’s husband’s ashes to dispose of
•Organizing a closet packed with hundreds of paper and plastic bags
Future Tasks
Looking ahead to 2021, it’s already showing promise to be as busy as 2020, NAPO professionals predict that the most requested services will be: decluttering and downsizing (35%); productivity coaching for an in-home work environment (17%); packing/unpacking for a move (16%); and creating a new space for work, home or hobby (13%).
“While we are all optimistic that the pandemic will come to an end this coming year, we are all still adapting to the lifestyle changes and new work-from-home norms,” said Tokos. “Hiring a NAPO professional to help with changes you want to make in life is the same as hiring a personal trainer or financial advisor. We abide by a strict code of ethics and discretion. We don’t judge—we help. Who wouldn’t want judgment-free support during this challenging time?”
Learn More
If you’ve resolved to get more organized and productive in the new year www.napo.net offers a directory to find professional organizers or productivity consultants locally or virtually.
(Family Features) A laundry room may be one of the spaces that you use the most, but cramped quarters and clutter can hinder your productivity. Eliminate the excuses and get your laundry room under control with these tips to add function to your washing routine.
(Family Features) Battery-powered power tools make it convenient and efficient to tackle chores around the house and job site. While batteries eliminate the risks associated with electricity, they come with their own requirements for safe use and handling.
(Family Features) Energy bills are likely among the largest expenses for homeowners, but you can take action to lower those costs. During a remodel, a certified contractor can help you make smart decisions when it comes to selecting appliances, windows and insulation for your projects.
(Family Features) When it comes to home design, color can change everything. From understated, clean hues and calming neutrals to soft greens and mid-tone colors with artistic qualities, a whole new style is just brush strokes away. With the right color palette, you can transform your space to highlight contemporary trends while creating your desired ambiance.
(Family Features) Each new year gives you the chance to reset and start new routines. When you’re considering new approaches to healthy living – whether eliminating or adding habits to improve your daily life – beginning with your home is an optimal choice.
(StatePoint) Thinking of remodeling your home? From safety and security to product and contractor selection, there are many factors to consider.
(Family Features) This year has taught many workers a thing or two about being productive when offices and homes blend into one.
(Family Features) Today’s designers, architects and builders are creating modern bathrooms that are practical, luxurious, comfortable and accommodating. They know homeowners and homebuyers desire – even demand – these features regardless of the bathroom’s size or layout.
(Family Features) An earth-friendly approach to your home isn't just good for the environment. Making minor adjustments with sustainability in mind can enhance your enjoyment and comfort while reducing expenses related to energy consumption.
(Family Features) When you see frost on the windows in the morning, feel the crunch of leaves underfoot and hear the roar of fire in the fireplace, old man winter has returned.
(Family Features) Creating the closet of your dreams could be in closer reach than you may think if you're willing to take matters into your own hands. With a little creative inspiration and some basic DIY skills, you may be surprised by the stylish space you can design by yourself.
(Family Features) Getting vaccinated for the flu is more important than ever. Not only will a flu shot help keep you and your family healthy, it can help reduce the strain on the healthcare system and keep hospital beds and other medical resources available for people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
(Family Features) As temperatures drop, winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin – leaving it dry, itchy or even irritated. Blustery outdoor conditions can leave skin feeling thirsty while the warm air blowing indoors can decrease moisture in the air – and your skin.
(Family Features) Older adults in America are living longer lives and will outnumber people under the age of 18 by nearly 500,000 by 2034, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
(NAPSI)—It’s official: 1-800-Flowers.com has named the sunflower as 2021’s Flower of the Year and the Prayer Plant as Plant of the Year. With everyone looking forward to a fresh start, there’s never been a better time to celebrate the hope, positivity and bright outlook each one of these well-deserved picks brings!
Sunflowers: Radiating Happiness
Sparking instant cheer with big, golden petals, sunflowers naturally turn toward the sun to uplift and inspire. That’s why the team at 1-800-Flowers is proud to give this ever-popular bloom the recognition it deserves.
A Golden Opportunity
At a time when positivity is just what everyone needs, anyone can learn from this trending favorite:
•It’s a powerful reminder to rise, shine and hold your head high.
•All it takes is a bit of brightness to boost someone’s mood.
•Looking on the bright side is something all people can all incorporate into their lives.
Plant Prayers Have Been Answered
This popular houseplant’s unique leaves show off painterly-like veins for a bold splash of color. At night, they fold up, resembling hands in prayer. It’s a powerful reminder of just how far gratitude can go, making this plant a natural choice for such a coveted award.
Inspiration, for Every Day
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the Plant of the Year…giving people even more reason to love it.
•Its vibrant appearance helps celebrate the beauty all around us.
•This plant’s nightly routine can inspire us all pause and reflect
•Opening up again each morning promotes the idea that each day is full of opportunity.
“Plants are the perfect gift to help us relax and be happy,” said Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising for leading gifting site 1800flowers.com.
Over 40 years ago, 1-800-Flowers.com was founded on one simple, universal idea: making people smile. And that’s exactly what they’ve become most well known for. Through unique floral arrangements, thoughtful plant gifts, gourmet gift baskets, and so much more, 1-800-Flowers.com is there to help connect you with loved ones for life’s little and big moments and all those in between.
(Family Features) Creating a welcoming and relaxing space may be easier than you expect when you give natural materials a leading role in your design. Elements like natural stone, wood, fiber, metals and even plant life can allow you to express a sense of unique personal style that is broadly appealing.
(Family Features) Premiums are often the biggest consideration when choosing your health plan during open enrollment each year. However, paying close attention to what different plans include can make a major difference in the scope of services and types of care available to you as well as what your out-of-pocket costs are.
(Family Features) A garage may not be the focal point of your home, but it likely plays a significant role in your family’s everyday life. Keeping the garage tidy can help you get the most out of the space, no matter how you use it.
(BPT) - It’s the most wonderful time of the year — but for many, the holidays bring stress over never-ending to-do lists. This year is bound to bring even more anxiety about how to get all of your holiday shopping done; not to mention the other obligations you have, from work to family, and beyond.
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Having a pet is a lot of responsibility, and we’ll help by giving you lots of tips and tricks! More >>
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