When you’re getting ready to move out of your rental, you might be wondering what you need to do before handing over those keys. And I get why it’s important to know all the steps before moving out because getting your security deposit back isn’t always guaranteed. There’s a lot you have to consider like cleaning the place up, fixing any damages, and making sure you’ve got all your paperwork in order to make sure you get your deposit back. Now, if you’re like most renters, you probably want to know exactly what to do before moving out. According to a recent survey, about 52% of renters don’t get their full security deposit back, and a big reason for that is not knowing what steps to take before leaving. Our rental homes do a lot more than just give us a place to sleep. They protect our stuff, give us…

Looking to transform your outdoor space into something special? Outdoor curtains might be exactly what you need! These versatile fabric panels can instantly change the look and feel of your patio, deck, or garden area without major construction or expense. I’ve spent years helping homeowners make their outdoor spaces more beautiful and functional. One question I get all the time is “What’s an easy way to upgrade my outdoor area?” My answer is almost always the same: outdoor curtains. They’re simple. They’re affordable. And wow, can they make a difference! Let’s talk about why outdoor curtains deserve a spot in your outdoor design toolkit and explore ten creative ways to use them that go beyond just hanging them up and calling it a day. Why Use Curtains For Outdoors? Before jumping into specific ideas, let’s chat about why outdoor curtains are worth considering in the first place. Outdoor spaces present…

Summer heat can turn your cozy home into a sweaty nightmare faster than you can say “popsicle.” Trust me, I’ve been there. Those sticky nights tossing and turning, the electric bill that makes you gasp, and that moment when you walk inside expecting relief only to find it’s almost as hot indoors as out. But here’s the good news – you don’t need to suffer through another summer of discomfort. I’ve spent years testing and tweaking my own home to beat the heat, and I’m going to share everything I’ve learned with you. 10 Ideas To Keep Your Home Cool During Summer Summer cooling isn’t just about cranking up the AC until your electric meter spins like a ceiling fan. Smart homeowners know that keeping cool is about working with nature, not against it. These ideas will help you stay comfortable without watching your money fly out the window. Optimize…

I’ve been thinking a lot about home value lately as we finish up some projects around our house. So many of you have asked which rooms actually make a difference when selling your home, and I thought I’d share what we’ve learned through our own renovations! Let’s start with a little before and after of our kitchen from last year… Wow, what a change, right? We spent about 6 weeks on this project, working nights and weekends. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Our realtor friend says we’ll get back almost 80% of what we put into it when we sell someday. But more importantly, we use this space every single day, and it makes us happy each morning when we walk in! Top 5 Rooms That Add Value to Your Home When we bought our first home years ago, we had no clue where to put our money. We almost…